Richmond – Nettie Simon-Owens of Halifax County has been elected to
serve as chair of the State Board of Social Services for the Virginia
Department of Social Services (VDSS).  Her term as chair began July 1,
2007.  Simon-Owens is the director of workforce development for the
Southern Virginia Higher Education Center in South Boston.
“We are delighted that Ms. Simon-Owens will continue serving on the
board,” said Anthony Conyers Jr., VDSS commissioner. “Her experience
and guidance have been central to the direction the board has taken
over the last few years.”
The State Board of Social Services consists of nine members appointed
by the governor.  The board is designed to include members from each
region of the commonwealth.  Simon-Owens was originally appointed to
represent Virginia’s Southside and Piedmont areas by former Governor
Mark Warner in 2004 and has served as vice-chair for the past year.
“It is an honor serving on the State Board of Social Services. As
incoming chair, I look forward to working collaboratively with my
fellow board members, Commissioner Conyers, staff and others to ensure
promulgation of regulations that support and enhance services provided
by our local departments, protect our most vulnerable citizens and
positively impact the lives of the citizens and communities served,”
said Simon-Owens.
Simon-Owens will chair the board and continue to represent her region,
which includes Mecklenburg, Halifax, Pittsylvania, Henry, Franklin,
Roanoke, Bedford, Campbell, Charlotte, Appomattox, Craig, Botetourt,
Amherst, Rockbridge, Alleghany, Bath, Highland, Nelson, Albemarle, and
Augusta Counties and the cities of Danville, Martinsville, Roanoke,
Lynchburg, and Waynesboro.
Previously, Simon-Owens worked as coordinator of workforce services for
Danville Community College. She also worked in manufacturing for
several years at Philip Morris, U.S.A. in Richmond and Clover Yarns,
Inc. in Halifax.  Born in Albany, NY, Simon-Owens grew up on a tobacco
farm and is a graduate of Halifax County High School, Virginia State
University, Howard University and Averett University. She lives with
her husband, Edward Owens, in South Boston, and is the daughter of
Annie Simon and the late Winfred Simon Sr. of Clover.
Responsibilities of the board include providing guidance and advice to
the VDSS commissioner on matters that arise throughout the social
services system.  The board investigates questions and provides
updates, findings and recommendations to the governor or commissioner. 
The board also adopts regulations as may be necessary and examines
potential fiscal impact of such regulations on local boards.
Board members are chosen based on qualifications that demonstrate each
member’s suitability to consider and act upon the various needs and
decisions within the board’s area of responsibility.
The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) Home Office is
located in Richmond and administers social services programs,
consistent with federal and state law and policy of the State Board of
Social Services through 120 local departments of social services
throughout the Commonwealth. The VDSS mission is “People helping people
triumph over poverty, abuse and neglect to shape strong futures for
themselves, their families and communities.”  For more information,
visit www.dss.virginia.gov