Wilson County Gov News

WILSON COUNTY, NC – Wilson County recently earned Gallagher’s High Performing Employer Award at the company’s 2026 High Performance Employer Summit. Gallagher is a leading global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting firm that supports renewals for the N.C. Health Insurance Pool, of which Wilson County Government is a member.

“Wilson County Government cares for and appreciates our employees. This award speaks to the hard work of our Human Resources team. Comprehensive benefits and wellness are at the heart of quality employee recruitment and retention,” said County Manager Ron Hunt. “I greatly appreciate the vision of our Human Resources leadership and staff for their constant engagement and valuing our most precious asset – our people.”

Wilson County began working with Gallagher in 2022 and has exemplified what it means to be an employer of choice. County leadership continues to invest in innovative programs that enhance the employee experience while thoughtfully managing costs, allowing the county to sustain a strong and competitive benefits offering for employees. Gallagher recognizes employers that are intentionally advancing organizational well-being through innovative strategies, strong workplace cultures, measurable outcomes and a commitment to supporting the whole employee.

“Employee engagement and innovation thrives when creativity fuels the vision, buy-in from our Board of Commissioners is provided, and caring makes that vision human and meaningful,” noted Assistant County Manager Tim Bilderback. “We have an outstanding Human Resources staff and leadership team that works hard and is fiscally responsible without leaving our staff behind. Through upper management support of that vision, we were given the tools to not just succeed, but to thrive.”

Over the last year, Wilson County Human Resources implemented and sustained a comprehensive benefits and well-being strategy that improved employee access to care, strengthened engagement through governance and local partnerships, and protected the long-term sustainability of the county’s health plan. These efforts were reflected in low single-digit renewal outcomes, disciplined reserve growth, expanded high-value programs such as the Well Care Clinic, and measurable pharmacy savings achieved through transparent, audit-supported strategies. This work strengthened Wilson County’s culture of well-being by treating benefits and wellness as a long-term investment in employees’ health, financial security and career sustainability, with an intentional focus on improving access to care and resources.

In addition, Wilson County’s leadership team serves in key roles on committees beyond the county and is widely regarded as a thought leader and go-to organization among local governments in the region.

Human Resources Director Tim Kerigan and Assistant County Manager Tim Bilderback attended Gallagher’s 2026 High Performance Employer Summit in Orlando, Florida, to receive the award. The event brought together industry leaders, innovators and strategic thinkers to explore what it takes to build and sustain high-performing organizations.

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WILSON COUNTY, NC – Jeff Williford, Wilson County’s Director of Emergency Communications, was recently recognized as the 2026 Director of the Year by the North Carolina Chapter of the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (NCAPCO). This award goes to directors who lead communication centers effectively, overseeing staff, budgets and technology while maintaining positive relationships with partner agencies.

“I can’t think of anyone more deserving than Jeff Williford. He cares for his staff, Wilson County citizens and is passionate about leadership,” stated County Manager Ron Hunt. “We are fortunate to have a director with his knowledge, skills and professionalism.”

The North Carolina Chapter of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials is a leading advocate for public safety communications professionals across the state, dedicated to fostering excellence, innovation and collaboration in emergency communications. Williford received the award during the 2026 NC Public Safety Communications Conference in Wilmington, NC May 3-6.

“Jeff exemplifies the true meaning of leading from within. His leadership, dedication and commitment to our team has made a lasting impact,” stated Jennifer Etheridge, Assistant Director of Emergency Communications.

Williford became Director of Wilson County Emergency Communications in April 2022. He has worked with the Wilson County 911 center for 37 years with a combination of full-time and part-time employment. During his time as Director, the center has continued a tradition of excellence and recently earned accreditation from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) as an Emergency Medical/Fire Dispatch Center of Excellence. Wilson County 9-1-1 is the 365th Emergency Medical and 84th Fire Dispatch Accredited Center in the world. 

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WILSON COUNTY, NC – Wilson County is excited to announce that it will be holding Golden Jubilee Day on Friday, June 26 to honor seniors in Wilson County who are 55 and older. This year’s event will take place at Fike High School, located at 500 Harrison Dr N, Wilson, NC 27893, on Friday, June 26 from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM.

In the past, the Wilson County Department of Social Services held an annual Senior Awareness Day and the Wilson County Senior Activity Center held an Age My Way event. Both events generally take place in May each year and both honor seniors, so it only makes sense that these two departments join forces for a great new annual event–Wilson County Golden Jubilee Day!

This year, the theme is based on The Golden Girls TV show and the event will feature a vibrant space where participants can celebrate, learn and connect while receiving valuable resources designed to enhance their lives. There will be vendors, door prizes, entertainment, food and fun–all for free.

Attendees must register for the event by calling (252) 206-1919 and pressing 6 for Golden Jubilee registration. The instructions will ask callers to leave their name, phone number and age. Registration is open from May 1 through June 1. As a reminder, this event is only open to Wilson County seniors who are 55 and older.

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New Emergency Management Director Named

WILSON, NORTH CAROLINA – Wilson County Government welcomes Jonathan Pope as its new Emergency Management Director. Pope previously served as the Assistant Emergency Management Coordinator for Johnston County Emergency Services, a role he’s held since 2017. Prior to this, he was with Wilson Fire & Rescue Services for 10 years. He replaces longtime Wilson County Government employee, Gordon Deno, who retired from the position in December 2025 after 41 years of service.

“Jonathan is a lifelong Wilson County resident with a dedicated career in fire and emergency management services,” stated County Manager Ron Hunt. “I am confident he will build upon our county’s excellent history in Emergency Management. We are excited about what’s ahead.”

In this role, Pope will be responsible for planning, coordinating and managing the county’s emergency preparedness, disaster response, recovery operations and hazard mitigation in collaboration with countywide public safety and volunteer fire department partnerships.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve the citizens of Wilson County as Emergency Management Director. As a lifelong resident, I’m especially grateful to serve the county where I grew up and where my family has always lived,” said Pope. “I am dedicated to any roles that emergency management may be involved in and to helping Wilson County residents be better prepared when a disaster may strike.”

Pope resides in Wilson County with his family. He has an Associate Degree in Fire Protection Technology from Wilson Community College and a Bachelor’s in Emergency and Disaster Management from Western Carolina University. He will begin with Wilson County on April 1, 2026.

Kerigan Named Human Resources Director

WILSON, NORTH CAROLINA – Wilson County Government is pleased to welcome Tim Kerigan as its new Human Resources Director. Kerigan succeeds previous Human Resources Director, Tim Bilderback, who was promoted to Assistant County Manager in October. 

Kerigan most recently served as the Human Resources Director for Nash County and previously held the position of Human Resources Director for the Town of Smithfield. With over 13 years of local government experience as an HR Director, he is well-versed in personnel policy, employee relations, training and more.  

“I’m excited to have someone as qualified as Tim to join our team. I’m confident in his ability to hit the ground running and to build upon the successful work that our HR team is doing,” stated Tim Bilderback, Assistant County Manager.

Kerigan has a bachelor’s degree in Health Education from Florida State University and completed the master’s program in Sports Business Management from Northern Illinois University. He is certified as a Professional in Human Resources and Senior Certified Professional by the Society for Human Resources Management.

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Local Government Commission Approves Funding for Frederick Douglass Elementary

WILSON, NORTH CAROLINA – On Tuesday, December 2 during their regular monthly meeting, the state’s Local Government Commission (LGC) approved installment financing through the issuance of Limited Obligation Bonds for the construction of Frederick Douglass Elementary School in Elm City and several capital projects for Wilson County Government. The decision comes after last month’s Board of Commissioners meeting where Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution to move forward after consulting with Davenport & Associates and conducting a Public Hearing.

“This is excellent news for Frederick Douglass Elementary School students and staff.  With our Commissioners’ leadership and support, our finance and management teams have been working diligently on this finance package. It allows us to move forward with construction on the new school and to advance our county government’s capital needs,” said Ron Hunt, County Manager.  “I appreciate my team and Commissioners’ work on this, as well as Wilson County Schools’ management and the Board of Education.”

 County commissioners allotted a $32 million budget for the new school. That total includes design fees and furnishings, as well as demolition and site work. Tuesday’s approval of Limited Obligation Bonds by the LGC was the last step in the financing process, with closing expected to take place on December 12. The County will move forward with borrowing $35.5 million from Webster Bank at 4.3% interest for 20 years. This amount includes $26.5 million for the remainder of the school’s construction.

“It’s another great day in Wilson County. The Local Government Commission has approved our request to borrow funds to build Frederick Douglass Elementary,” stated Rob Boyette, Chairman of the Wilson County Board of Commissioners. The Board wishes to thank County Manager Ron Hunt, Finance Director Angel Landrau and his staff for the work that went into financing this project, and Davenport & Associates for their advice and guidance. We are looking forward to getting the building started and look forward to again working with Wilson County Schools to provide a new facility in which to learn.”

Vice Chairman, Leslie Atkinson, noted “this school is very important to the Elm City community, as well as all of the students past and present who know how great Frederick Douglass Elementary is. I’m very excited about this and commend the work my fellow Board of Commissioners and our county’s management.”

In addition to the construction of Frederick Douglass Elementary, capital funds will be used to finance projects from the County’s Capital Improvement Plan.

In North Carolina, LGC approval is required for bonds, borrowing, contracts and other financial arrangements.

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Wilson County Manager Ron Hunt has named Tim Bilderback, current Human Resources Director, as Assistant County Manager starting October 1, 2025.  Bilderback will join Hunt and Deputy County Manager Lori Winstead as part of the county’s top leadership team.

“Tim has a successful 10-year history with Wilson County Government,” said Hunt. “We had an open interview process with highly qualified candidates.  Bilderback stood out on his ability to continue the solid human resources system supporting employees, to strengthen our innovative services, and to build upon the vision for service excellence in Wilson County.”

“Tim brings a wealth of Human Resources knowledge to this position with a proven track record of success,” said Lori Winstead, Deputy Manager.  “Tim’s leadership will strengthen the capacity at the County Manager’s office as we continue to plan for the future of Wilson County.” 

Prior to joining Wilson County Government in 2015, Bilderback had experience in both Johnston and Wake county governments.

“I am excited and humbled at this opportunity to be Assistant Manager,” said Bilderback.  “For me, this role is the best of two worlds as I will continue to support our amazing staff and build upon our successful departments, as well as help with the vision set by County Manager Ron Hunt and Board of County Commissioners.”

Bilderback has a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Western Carolina University, with a concentration on training and development and a master’s degree of Human Resources from Western Carolina University. He is certified as a Professional in Human Resources and Senior Certified Professional by the Society for Human Resources Management.

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