In November 2005, Claudie Burchfield became the third program director of OEO/CSS. In 2007, under her leadership, the Office received the prestigious Family Strengthening Award from Catholic Charities USA and the Annie E. Casey Foundation. She has been asked to speak at subsequent events with the two organizations on family strengthening, financial literacy and parish social ministry.
Claudie is a native of Graham County and is closely connected to the regional community. Before coming to OEO, Claudie worked, most recently, as the Graham County Planner and Economic Development Director. She was instrumental in creating the Graham Revitalization Economic Action Team (GREAT), a citizen-based group that addresses the health, social, economic, educational, and recreational needs of Graham County residents, while preserving the county’s cultural heritage and natural resources and instilling pride in the community.
She received the 2004 Community and Rural Development Award from NC Cooperative Extension. In addition, Claudie is actively involved with numerous organizations and non-profits where she has served in various capacities from President to Chair. Prior to her work with the County, Claudie worked for Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville, Georgia, and at her alma mater, Mercer University, in Macon, Georgia, in the field of development.
In addition to her professional pursuits, Claudie has the pleasure of raising two children and assisting her parents. She also is an active member in Meadow Branch Primitive Baptist Church where she serves as an assistant Sunday school teacher for the Toddler/Pre-K Class, and sings.