Buncombe County Names New Human Resources Director, Shauna Shepherd

Buncombe County announced on December 10, 2025 that Shauna Shepherd will serve as the county's next Director of Human Resources, a position county leaders say is central to sustaining the award winning performance of multiple departments. After a nationwide search County Manager Avril Pinder said she is excited about the skills and vision Shepherd brings to Buncombe County, “She has been sharpening her skills as an HR Director for years, while also bringing valuable insights and experience from her time working in various city and county roles.”

Shepherd joins Buncombe County from Missouri City Texas where she served as Director of Human Resources and Civil Service, and she has also held roles with the City of Fort Worth. She brings more than 15 years of progressive municipal government experience and a portfolio that includes talent acquisition, benefits and wellness programs, organizational development, compensation and classification, employee relations, risk management and safety, workers compensation, and civil service administration. She earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology with magna cum laude honors and a master of public administration with a specialization in human resources from the University of North Texas, and holds PHR and SHRM CP certifications.

Shepherd framed the role as an opportunity to link people practices to community outcomes, saying, “Throughout my career, I have been inspired by the role HR plays in shaping workplace culture, strengthening employee engagement, and aligning talent strategies with broader community goals. Buncombe County’s focus on innovation, integrity, and collaboration deeply resonates with my values and leadership philosophy.” She added that she sees the job as a platform for transformational initiatives, “I see this position as a platform to lead transformational initiatives that enhance both the employee experience and the County’s ability to deliver outstanding public service to its community members and visitors.”

Local impacts will be concrete. County leaders note that every public service outcome from public safety to health to infrastructure depends on the strength engagement and well being of county employees, and Shepherd emphasized that priority, stating, “The Human Resources Director plays a vital role in ensuring that Buncombe County attracts, retains, and empowers a talented workforce capable of meeting the evolving needs of the community. Every public service outcome from public safety to health to infrastructure depends on the strength engagement and well being of County employees. By cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture I can help ensure employees feel valued, equipped, and motivated to provide exceptional service. In this way HR becomes not just an internal support function but a key driver of community trust equity and excellence in government.” Her first priorities will include building relationships across the organization to assess needs and pursuing long term goals to strengthen Buncombe County as an employer of choice through data driven workforce planning enhanced professional development and refined total rewards aligned with county goals and fiscal responsibility.