Shelby County Mayor Mark H. Luttrell, Jr. has appointed Dorcas Young Griffin as the new Director of Shelby County Government’s Community Services Division. Current Director Martha Lott announced her retirement today effective December 31st.
Mayor Luttrell will take Ms. Griffin’s confirmation resolution to the Shelby County Commission in December. Pending commission approval, she’ll begin her new duties in January.
“Dorcas will be a tremendous asset to our leadership team. She’s a seasoned professional and has worked for a decade in a variety of roles with Shelby County Government. I’m confident she will do an outstanding job as director,” said Shelby County Mayor Mark H. Luttrell, Jr.
Ms. Griffin, currently Deputy Director of the Community Services Division, started with Shelby County Government in 2007. She formerly served as a Public Health Coordinator, Program Manager of the Ryan White HIV services and worked with Shelby County Head Start.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve. The Community Services Division is the heart of Shelby County Government. It oversees the Rape Crisis Center, Crime Victims Center and provides utility assistance, rent assistance and a variety of other services,” said Ms. Griffin, who currently leads the Juvenile Assessment Center design team. The center will help ensure at-risk youth who’ve been arrested get needed services as opposed to incarceration.
Current Community Services Division Director Martha Lott leaves her post with 38 years of combined service with Shelby County Government and Memphis City Government, where she held several leadership positions.
As Director of Shelby County Community Services, Ms. Lott was instrumental in helping start the Memphis and Shelby County Mental Health Court that places offenders into counseling and treatment programs instead of prison.
“We will miss Martha’s dedication and commitment to serve our community. We wish her well in her retirement,” added Mayor Luttrell.