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 toa 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.
