May 11—Haywood County's 911 dispatch manager was named the N.C. Communications Director of the Year out of all 100 counties.
Chanda Morgan was bestowed with the honor by the North Carolina Association of Public Safety Communications Officials after being nominated by her own staff at the dispatch center.
In the nomination, dispatch employees described Morgan as "an incredible multitasker with a heart as big as the center she directs."
"Chanda has the courage to make tough decisions and the ability to listen to the needs of others," Dispatcher Sarah Mehaffey said. "She is an example of what a true leader should be."
More than 159,000 emergency calls annually — or 437 calls a day — are fielded by the Haywood County dispatch center, which is the central nervous system of the 911 network. The dispatch center serves as the backbone of emergency responders, ensuring that ambulances, fire trucks and law enforcement get to the right place, all within minutes.
"Chanda Morgan represents all that is great about Haywood County," Haywood County Sheriff Bill Wilke said. "We are grateful that she was recognized throughout the state for her leadership in public safety communications."
Morgan joined the dispatch center in December 1999, and has served in the director role since 2008, making her the longest-serving 911 Director in Haywood County history.
"I am overwhelmed with gratitude," Morgan said after receiving the award in Raleigh last week. "It is an incredible moment for me in my career. I am blessed to have such an amazing team of 911 telecommunicators. Without the assistance and backing of my team, accomplishing this goal would be next to impossible for me. I am forever grateful to everyone who has been a part of my journey."
Her responsibilities include being over 911 operations, fund management, technology and administration. In addition to running 911 dispatch, Morgan is also the computer-assisted dispatch administrator, quality assurance specialist, Department of Criminal Information terminal agency coordinator, training coordinator — and still finds time to help take calls.
"Chanda is a wonderful individual who makes it a pleasure to work for. She is a knowledgeable leader and is an asset to the Sheriff's Office and Haywood County," Telecommunications Sgt. Byron Davis said.
Her nomination also praised Morgan for her work during not one but two catastrophic floods that swept through Haywood County along the Pigeon River in both 2004 and 2021. Morgan put her own worries aside to ensure she was doing everything she could to help those being affected by the devastation.
"Her service to Haywood County and its citizens is second to none and deserving of the highest praise," the nomination said.