Burke County, N.C. – Burke County Government is pleased to announce
the return of Dr. Katie V. Samuels as the County’s next Opioid Settlement Coordinator.
Following an extensive search and review of more than 90 applications, Dr. Samuels was
selected to lead this critical initiative.
Dr. Samuels most recently worked in the behavioral health sector as a consultant with the
Community Education Group (CEG). Prior to her work with CEG, she served as Burke
County’s Director of Behavioral Health for approximately 18 months. Her career includes
significant experience in executive non-profit leadership, Local Management Entity (LME)
operations, and direct clinical practice.
A Burke County native, Dr. Samuels is enthusiastic about rejoining the team in this newly
restructured role. After her resignation in December 2024, the Board of Commissioners
acted to centralize and formalize the management of opioid settlement funds, which total
approximately $25 million over an 18-year period.
“Thanks to the Board of Commissioners and their vision for our future, the new
organizational structure and the establishment of the Opioid Advisory Committee will
ensure efficient and effective communication and action,” said County Manager Brian
Epley. “We are thrilled to welcome Katie back to Burke County Government. Her technical
expertise, reputation, and passion are unmatched. The Board’s directive is now to work
collaboratively with the advisory board to make swift, strategic investments that deliver
sustainable, life-saving outcomes.”
Burke County continues to rank among the hardest-hit counties in North Carolina for opioid
overdoses and deaths on a per capita basis. The County is nearing completion of a
comprehensive strategic plan and is preparing to evaluate a proposed behavioral health
urgent care facility, which would offer centralized access to behavioral health and
substance use disorder services for residents.