Dr. Rita Joyner, most recently a special assistant in Commerce’s N.C. Energy Office, has been named section chief of the state’s Weatherization Assistance Program, Ward Lenz, director of the N.C. Energy Office announced today.
Joyner, who holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from N.C. A&T State University, has previously served as section chief in the N.C. Energy Office, supervising a staff of engineers and energy efficiency specialists and overseeing a $14 million budget. She holds a doctorate from the UNC School of Education and has served as legislative liaison to the state Board of Education.
“Rita Joyner brings the background and experience to the weatherization program that will be instrumental in making sure the program delivers its services efficiently, expeditiously and effectively, with the accountability North Carolina taxpayers expect,” Lenz said.
“I am excited about this opportunity. The Weatherization Assistance Program is a leading example of cooperation between our state government and communities to improve the lives of our citizens,” Joyner said.
The state’s weatherization program received a $132 million boost in funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and is implementing a goal of increasing the number of weatherized homes in the state from 250 a month to 750. The program’s mission is to improve energy efficiency and household safety, and to educate the public about maintaining energy efficiency. Services are provided in all 100 counties through 28 community-based agencies around the state.
The program’s focus is on the elderly, the disabled, families with children, high-energy users and the energy needed to keep North Carolina citizens warm in the winter, cool in the summer and safe all year long. Weatherization assistance is available for single?family homes, apartments, condominiums, and mobile homes, based on household income – about $44,000 annually for a family of four.
For more information about the weatherization program and how to find services, go online to http://www.energync.net/Weatherization.pdf or call 919-715-5850.