Pender Co. DSS director suspension discussed, NAACP shows support

BURGAW, NC (WWAY) — It was a packed house at Monday night’s Pender County Commission meeting. Supporters of the suspended Pender County Department of Social Services Director showed up and some spoke up for her.

About six people spoke to the commission on behalf of Dr. Reta Shiver. Many clapped and cheered as supporters addressed the commission.

Shiver was put on leave for 40 days back in June. A letter from Human Resource Director Carolyn Moser said Shriver was suspended with pay for personnel matters. The letter said it was because of something Shiver said to the county commission in a June meeting, but it did not go into specifics.

We looked back at that meeting video. Shiver asked the commissioners for money to buy new scanners for her department. Shiver told the board the state would reimburse 75 percent of the expense of the scanners. Moser would not discuss if anything from that statement led to the suspension.

Dr. Rachel Stevens, local president of the NAACP, said Shiver is being targeted. She said this is not a professional issue. It’s a personal one.

“Somebody has a personal vendetta, and there is no place for personal vendettas in the work place. This foolishness needs to stop, and it needs to stop now,” Stevens said.

Pender County Commissioner Demetrice Keith voiced her support for Shiver as well.

“She is someone you go to to get advice, help, she has been there through the years for everybody,” Keith said.

Moser said Shiver has been with the department for about 30 years.

We asked Moser and Pender County Manager Randall Woodruff for comment, but they declined to say anything. They both said it is a personnel issue.