Dia Denton was named county manager by the Halifax board of commissioners Monday.
The unanimous decision came after a closed session during the board’s regular meeting. She was named county manager effective today.
Denton has been serving as Halifax County’s interim county manager since December 1 after long-time manager Tony Brown retired at the end of November.
She has served Halifax County for nearly 17 years since coming to work in September 2005, first as a management analyst, then assistant county manager of operational services and deputy county manager since May of 2014.
During her tenure, Denton has worked with all county departments, including playing a critical role in the development of the county’s annual budget, managing the county’s public information officer duties, serving as liaison to the departments of social services and public health and directly supervising seven county departments.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving this great county,” said Denton. “I appreciate the support of the commissioners and their faith in me to further their mission and to make Halifax County an even greater place to live, work and raise a family.”
Prior to coming to Halifax County, Denton worked as the town manager for Spring Hope.
She graduated from Appalachian State University with her Master of Public Administration with a concentration in town, city and county management in May of 2002 after receiving her Bachelor of Arts in public administration from Campbell University in May of 2000.
Denton has strong connections to local government service.
Her father Eddie Huffman served as a county commissioner for Catawba County from December 1990 until his death in July 1991.
After her father’s passing, Denton’s mother, Marie Huffman, filled her husband’s unexpired term and continued to serve Catawba County for another 10 years, serving as vice chair and chair for portions of her term.
Brown said he was very pleased with the board’s selection of Denton. “I believe Dia will continue the positive strides that were made during my tenure with the county. Dia has been well-prepared to take the reins in the 16 years I have known her.”
Halifax County Board of Commissioners Chairman Vernon said, “On behalf of the Halifax County Board of Commissioners, it is with great pride and pleasure that we appoint Dia Denton as Halifax County manager. It is quite appropriate that her first day as Halifax County’s first female county manager is happening on the same day we celebrate International Women’s Day.”
Said Bryant: “Mrs. Denton has served Halifax County long and well in a variety of roles. She knows and understands our county employees, our services, our leaders, our communities and our citizens. We are confident that Halifax County is in very capable hands with Mrs. Denton at the helm.”
Denton resides in Enfield with her husband of 17 years, Jeff, her two sons — Noah, age 14, and Nicholas, age 9 — as well as several beloved dogs and cats.
