Meet the 2010 Scholars

Kelly Isenhour, RN, BSN
Assistant Health Director
Catawba County Health Department
Hickory NC 

Kelly Isenhour, RN, BSN has been employed by Catawba County Public Health for 25 years. She has served as Assistant Health Director since March 1, 2001. Kelly is directly responsible for the oversight of quality and compliance, strategic planning and outcomes management, research and program development, operational change related to improved organizational efficiency, preparedness, community outreach and health promotion, and dental practice. In addition, she oversees organization operations under the authority of the health director in his absence.

Prior to assuming this position, Kelly worked as Children’s Services Manager for eight years where her major responsibilities included supervision of programs and staff in Child Service Coordination, Maternal Care Coordination, School Health, Early Childhood Support Team nurse program, Child Health Clinic, Health Check Coordination, and Prenatal and Family Planning clinics. Kelly’s first position with Catawba County Public Health in 1984 was as a home health nurse. Kelly’s other roles have included school health, public health nurse, expanded role nurse in child health and adult health, and health promotion nurse.

Kelly received her Bachelor Degree in Nursing from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1983. Professional and community activities have included Burke County Board of Health; North Carolina Public Health Association; North Carolina Association of Public Health Nurse Administrators; Sigma Theta Tau; Early Childhood Leadership Development Program; and Valdese Pilot Club. Kelly lives with her husband and daughter in Connelly Springs, North Carolina.

When she is not working, Kelly enjoys singing in her church choir, running/walking, playing with her dog, Kitty, and… attempting to understand and use Facebook.