Dr. Gregory Grier has a distinguished twenty-plus-year executive leadership career within North Carolina’s local government organizations, focusing on human and social services. His dedication to community well-being is demonstrated by his leadership in initiatives addressing social determinants of health, strengthening community safety nets, and fostering partnerships with stakeholders to drive meaningful outcomes. With extensive expertise in child welfare practice, operational and organizational systems, and leadership, Dr. Grier has supervised all program areas in DSS, including finance, data, and continuous quality improvement. As Deputy Director at Cleveland County DSS, Dr. Grier led and supervised all program areas within DSS, fostering a sense of belonging, psychological safety, and a balance between accountability and support towards achieving client outcomes across program areas.
In his previous role as Director of Community Support Services for Gaston Health & Human Services, Dr. Grier spearheaded impactful initiatives, including the Peer Support Program, Veteran’s Services, the Family Justice Center and Hope United Survivor Network, and various special projects such as the Opioid Settlement Funding Plan, Homelessness Prevention Task Force, Community Child Protection Team, and Child Fatality Prevention Team. Dr. Grier has been with A4O since 2024, where he is the Chief Experience Officer (CXO) and Project Manager, enhancing experiences and outcomes for the A4O consultant team, employee team, and jurisdictions served by the organization. Dr. Grier has the exceptional talent to bring deep insight into the root causes of organizational culture and climate challenges, skillfully helping executive teams build trust and psychological safety.
Beyond his professional roles, Dr. Grier is actively involved in shaping public policy and community initiatives. He serves on key boards, including the Vaya Health Partners Board of Directors and the Cleveland County Hospice Foundation Board. As a servant leader, Dr. Grier is dedicated to empowering others by coaching and mentoring leaders to excel as advocates for social justice and community progress. He fosters a culture of collaboration and mentorship, firmly believing that true leadership lies in helping others unlock their full potential.
Dr. Grier is also a passionate lifelong learner. He holds a Bachelor’s in Social Sciences, an MBA, and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership (Ed.D.) from Gardner-Webb University, demonstrating his dedication to continuous personal and professional growth.
