Chatham County health director Layton Long has been named the 2016 Health Director of the Year by the North Carolina Association of Local Health Directors.

The award was announced at the organization’s annual luncheon on January 20.

Long has served as a health director for over 10 years, holding that role in Davidson County before joining Chatham County in 2013.

The county has implemented initiatives during Long’s tenure including tobacco control, an updated animal control ordinance and the formation of the Chatham Health Alliance, according to a release.

Chatham County Board of Health chair John Kessler said in a release:

“We have been extremely fortunate to successfully recruit Layton to lead the Health Department and serve the citizens of Chatham County. Layton is remarkably evidence-based in his decision making, pragmatic in solving problems, and politically astute in considering the intended and unintended consequences of his actions and the Board’s policy making process.”

Long said, “it was at total surprise in receiving the award but truly an honor to be recognized by my public health peers.”

The North Carolina Health Director of the Year Award was created by the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners and is implemented through the North Carolina Association of Local Health Directors, an affiliate of the NCACC. It is given to an individual for outstanding leadership in both public health in North Carolina and for leadership and involvement in local community and civic activities, according to a release. Officials say Long was nominated for the Health Director of the Year Award by staff at the Chatham County Health Department.

Related Stories
‹
2 Chatham County Schools Administrators Begin New Roles in District
A pair of Chatham County Schools administrators will be taking on new roles for the upcoming school year, the district announced Tuesday. Michelle Burton, currently the Executive Director of Secondary Education & Career and Technical Education, has been named the Deputy Chief of Student Support & Innovative Programs. Meanwhile, Carla Murray, currently the district’s Executive […]
A Pipeline Company Says It Will Protect the Environment in North Carolina. Its Record in Tennessee Says Otherwise.
Federal records show Chatham residents’ concerns about Enbridge’s environmental performance are valid. Over the past seven months, an Enbridge subsidiary has amassed a dozen non-compliance events related to its Ridgeline Expansion Project in central Tennessee.
Chatham County Roundup: "On The Porch" Host Randy Voller
Former Pittsboro Mayor, Real Estate Developer, and "On The Porch" host Randy Voller spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, June 24. He discussed a recent trip to Washington, D.C.  with the Association of Realtors. He discussed the current state of the real estate market in the area, talked about the implications of a proposed pipeline in Chatham County, and more.
Chatham County Roundup: Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp on Tri River Water, More
Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, June 23, discussing town news and events. They discussed the recent meeting of the board with county commissioners and boards from other towns in the county. He also gave an update on Tri River Water, talked about downtown planning, and more.
Refuel Prepares to Open Renovated Chapel Hill Location; Will Feature New Local Mural
Refuel will celebrate the reopening of a newly renovated gas station, featuring a new mural, in Chapel Hill on Saturday, June 27 at 11 a.m.
The Morning News: Digital Learning at CHCCS, New Chatham Commissioner, College World Series
In today's news: CHCCS approves a new digital learning plan, and Chatham Commissioners appoint Sheriff Mike Roberson to their board.
Roberson Accepts Appointment to Chatham County Commissioners' Seat; Will Step Down as Sheriff in July
Longtime Chatham County Sheriff Mike Roberson will officially step down from the role and join the county’s Board of Commissioners after accepting an appointment to the elected body.
Chatham County Roundup: County Commissioner Karen Howard on Budget, New Commissioner, and More
Chatham County Commissioner Karen Howard spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, June 16, discussing county news and events. She talked about the county's passage of their budget for the upcoming fiscal year. She also discussed the appointment of Mike Roberson to the board of commissioners to fill the vacancy left by David Delaney. She also discussed water restrictions from Tri-River, upcoming county events, and more.
Chatham County Sheriff's Office: First Drowning of 2026 Reported at Jordan Lake, Victim Lacking Life Jacket
A Chapel Hill resident drowned in Jordan Lake on Monday while trying to retrieve a drifting boat, according to Chatham County authorities.
Local Government Meetings: June 15-19, 2026
This week in local government: a proposed AI moratorium in Durham and a board appointment (maybe) in Chatham County.
›