Orange County names Robin Breckenridge interim social services director

The Orange County board introduced Robin Breckenridge as the county’s interim director of social services and moved to appoint her to two advisory seats vacated by the departing director, Crystal Hale.

At the meeting, a board member introduced the interim director role and Speaker 5 invited Breckenridge to the podium, saying, "Robin is our new interim social service director, and she's been with Orange County for at least 6 years, 5 years." Breckenridge told the board, "I would just thank you for giving me this opportunity to continue to serve. Like, Ted has mentioned, I've been with the Orange County Department of Social Services for 5 years. And prior to that, I was with the Madison County Department of Social Services for almost 20 years."

During appointments, the board nominated Breckenridge to fill two vacancies previously held by the former social services director: one seat on the Community Policy and Management Team (CPMT) and the social services director seat on the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Citizens Advisory Council. The nominations were announced as part of a slate of appointments the board approved by voice vote.

The board framed the move as a continuity step during a transition in leadership. The meeting record shows no opposition to the nominations; board members voiced support and the slate was approved by voice vote. The board did not set a different effective date for the interim appointment during the public meeting.

Breckenridge’s remarks emphasized continuity of service and experience in child protective services, adult protective services, foster care and related programs.

The board also acknowledged outgoing director Crystal Hale in brief remarks noting her departure from the position.