Joshua Kennedy currently serves as the Director of the Polk County Consolidated Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), overseeing departments such as Economic Services, Social Services, Senior Centers, Veterans Services, and Transportation. As director, he has implemented projects to improve service efficiency, developed board protocols, and expanded partnerships. He also serves as the board’s secretary. Previously, he was the Assistant Health Director for the Rutherford Polk McDowell Health District, where he managed finances, personnel, and IT, and introduced the district’s first EMR/HIE system. Earlier in his career, Joshua was Executive Director of the McDowell County Health Coalition, where he tripled staff, increased revenue by 200%, and worked on public health issues connected to education and economic development. He was involved in several key initiatives, such as the Workforce Pipeline Committee, Work Ready Community Initiative, STEM programs, local food pantry improvements, and mobile health clinics. Joshua is active in his community, serving on boards such as the NC Science Math and Technology Center, Blue Ridge Health Center, The Free Clinics, and Gateway Wellness Foundation. When not working, Josh enjoys the outdoors as an avid hunter, runner, hiker, and amateur beekeeper. He can often be found shepherding the couple’s three young boys, Jack (10), Lucas (7), and Liam (4), on the running trails, on bikes, or teaching the boys how to fish (or at the very least to cast without losing their hook).