Patricia Wallin, recently retired as the Deputy Director of the Economic Services Division for Buncombe County Health & Human Services, has more than thirty years of professional experience in health and human services. She is a strategic leader who balances empathy and goal-oriented leadership, guiding her teams to see their work as an opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of the people served.
As a leader who valued internal and external collaboration, Patricia Wallin was instrumental in leading Buncombe County’s transition to an integrated Health and Human Service agency. Her focus on recruitment, retention, and team performance and her ability to foster partnerships across departments and agencies resulted in enhanced service delivery and a more resilient community. Patricia deeply understands compliance with local, state, and federal guidelines across programs, e.g., Food & Nutrition Services, Medicaid, Work First Family Assistance, and COVID Housing Assistance.
Before becoming Deputy Director, she was Division Manager for Family & Children’s Medicaid in Buncombe County. In this role, she coordinated community outreach initiatives and worked to improve access to essential services. Since her career began as a Public Assistance Caseworker, her knowledge and leadership have evolved in the social services field, giving her a deep understanding of client needs and the importance of respectful, timely, and professional service delivery.
Patricia’s commitment to continuous learning and professional development is unwavering. She holds a Master’s in Business Management and Leadership from Montreat College and has actively participated in numerous community-focused partnerships, including NC-PreK and Buncombe Partnership for Children. These collaborative opportunities have strengthened her leadership skills and commitment to improving outcomes for individuals, families, and communities through innovative problem-solving and collaborative leadership.
