Ruby Rouse Bryant Appointed Executive Director of Johnston-Lee-Harnett Community Action, Inc.

Smithfield, NC — The Board of Directors of Johnston-Lee-Harnett Community Action, Inc. (JLHCA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ruby Rouse Bryant as the organization’s new Executive Director. Bryant succeeds Dr. E. Marie Watson, who led the agency with distinction for more than 40 years.

Bryant’s history with JLHCA spans more than four decades, beginning in 1978 when she first became involved with Head Start as a parent and volunteer on the Head Start Policy Council. Her dedication to community service quickly became evident, leading her to serve on the Board of Directors from 1991 to 2000. Following her board tenure, she joined the agency as the CSBG Senior Family Services Counselor and Harnett County Supervisor in the Lillington office. In 2008, she made history as JLHCA’s first Human Resource Director.

A seasoned professional with more than 25 years of experience, Bryant brings compassion, vision, and a strong commitment to helping low-income families move toward self-sufficiency. She is known for her ability to build meaningful connections—strengthening partnerships between JLHCA and a broad network of human service agencies, local churches, and community supporters.

Bryant holds dual bachelor’s degrees in business administration (Organizational and Management Development) and Human Resources from Mount Olive University. She earned her MBA with a concentration in Public Administration from Strayer University in 2016 and is a Certified Community Action Professional (CCAP).

Her leadership extends beyond the agency. From 2020 to 2023, Bryant served on the North Carolina Community Action Association’s Board of Directors, including two years as the Central District Chair.

The Board expresses full confidence that Bryant’s deep experience, passion for community empowerment, and longstanding commitment to the mission of Community Action will lead JLHCA into a strong and vibrant new chapter.