The City of Asheville hired a new Equity & Inclusion director: Sala Menaya-Merritt.
Menaya-Merritt, who will start on Jan. 8, takes the role from Brenda Mills who is retiring after 18 years with the city, according to a press release from the city.
“The City’s Equity & Inclusion Department plays a vital role in helping to ensure our community is a safe, diverse, and welcoming place where everyone can thrive,” City Manager Debra Campbell said in a statement. “We are confident that Ms. Menaya-Merritt will continue to build on the progress and strength of the Equity & Inclusion Department."
After serving in several different capacities with the City of Savannah, including organizational development administrator in human resources and impact director with the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department, Menaya-Merritt became the Diversion Services Program Manager for Buncombe County.
Menaya-Merritt has worked with city staff in her contract role as the Impact Focus Area Administrator for the Community Reparations Commission.
The Equity & Inclusion department focuses on racial and social equity as top priorities.
Mills retires on Jan. 31.
