Betsey Zook joins the Center from Forsyth Technical Community College, where she spent 15 years leading the largest Human Services program in the NC Community College system. Her role as the Center’s Behavioral Health Workforce Manager brings together her experiences across a wide spectrum of behavioral health and human services as well as legal advocacy. When Betsey isn’t  working on health workforce issues, you can find her writing her young adult novel, reading thrillers, or enjoying the outdoors by camping, hiking or biking.

Why did you choose to work for the NC Center on the Workforce for Health?

North Carolina is at a pivotal moment in addressing workforce shortages, and I wanted to contribute where I could have statewide influence. For the past few years, I’ve focused on workforce strategies. I know the obstacles, but I also know there are solutions we haven’t yet tapped.

What does your role entail?

Since this is a new position, the scope is still evolving. I see my role as connecting the dots: between K-12, community colleges, universities, providers, health systems, and policymakers. We have gaps across the state in how we understand and solve workforce challenges. My job is to help create sustainable pipelines, simplify systems, and build practical workforce solutions informed by the right data.

Why is the state’s mission to strengthen the health workforce important to you personally?

For me, this isn’t abstract; it’s personal. Strengthening the workforce isn’t just about filling positions. It’s about creating hope, stability, safety, and opportunity in communities across North Carolina.

What are some highlights from your professional experience that make you well suited for your role with the Center?

This role brings together the threads of my career. I began in legal advocacy for public assistance recipients, which gave me early insight into how policy and legislation can either empower people or create barriers. Also, during some of my early work, I served in frontline behavioral health roles as group home staff, a direct support professional, and case manager, where I saw the realities of direct service. I also piloted programs for adults with traumatic brain injuries and adolescents in residential treatment, and later directed community-based Medicaid programs, learning the challenges of recruiting and retaining staff through the constant rate and system changes. Most recently, as a college educator, I worked to creatively adapt programs to meet community workforce needs. This role allows me to bring all those perspectives together for the state. 

What are three adjectives you use to describe yourself?

Purpose-driven, creative, insightful

What was your first job as a teenager or young adult?

I grew up in northern Indiana, and my first summer job was detasseling corn. It’s hot, prickly work. Just long days walking rows of cornfields to pull tassels for hybrid seed corn. Hopefully,  it taught me grit and endurance.

How do you enjoy your free time outside of work?

I love camping, hiking, and biking. I’m also working on a young adult novel—it’s been a long process and may never be finished, but it keeps me creatively challenged.

Are you currently serving on a nonprofit board or volunteering regularly at a nonprofit?

Most recently, I’ve served as Advocacy & Advancement Chair for the NC Association for Social and Human Services Education, helping to move forward statewide workforce initiatives.

What’s your favorite sports team(s) – college or pro?

I don’t have one team I root for above all others. I’ve been part of a fantasy football league for about 10 years, so I follow the NFL closely for that. I’m also a fan of college football and basketball, and I love seeing the excitement around the WNBA as women’s sports fan base grows.

What are you currently reading, listening to or watching?

I’m a fan of legal and psychological thrillers. Some favorites: The Silent Patient and The Girl on the Train. Right now, I’m listening to David Baldacci’s A Calamity of Souls on audiobook.

Would you like to share anything else about your family, hobbies or education?

Outside of work, I’m happiest outdoors: running, biking, hiking, sitting around a campfire or just being near the water. And I get a lot of joy from watching my adult son pursue his passions. Right now, he is an MFA student in animatronics at University of North Carolina School of the Arts.

To read Betsey’s bio click here.