Chris Preston

New leaders have been appointed to New Hanover County's Community Justice Services Department and the Veteran Services Department, according to a news release.

Chris Preston was named community justice services director and Betsy Graham is the new veteran services officer, according to a news release.

Preston was chosen for the role, which he began in October, after serving as interim director since July. He joined the county in 2009.

Preston has been in behavioral health and human services in the Wilmington area since 1997, officials said.

Preston earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from East Carolina University and a master’s degree in clinical psychology from the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

"He is a graduate of the UNCW/NHC SERVE Professional Development Academy, and UNCW’s Academy for Strategic Management," stated the release.

Graham (right) began her role in the summer, after serving as the county’s Veterans Services specialist for a year. 

“My passion is to serve all people, and I hold a special place in my heart for those who serve this country and those who love and support our servicemen and women,” Graham said in the release. “My mother was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and I understand the sacrifice and dedication of our Veterans and their families. I make it my mission each day to serve them and help them get the benefits they need and deserve.”

Graham has nine years of experience in social work and working with veterans.

She served as a veteran services officer with the Orange County Department of Social Services in Hillsborough, before joining New Hanover County.

She has a bachelor's degree in social work from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a master’s degree in social work from The University of Chicago.