SALISBURY — The Rowan County Literacy Council has a new executive director.

Christina Rary officially took over the role following former executive director Laurel Harry’s retirement at the end of July. 

Rary has an extensive background in education as well as the nonprofit sector. She was twice named teacher of the year and was formerly the director of Family Crisis Council, Inc. in Salisbury.

Harry has been with the Rowan County Literacy Council for more than seven years and has overseen growth in the organization’s Youth and Adult Literacy programs and has built out relationships with partner agencies including Communities in Schools, Rufty-Holmes Senior Center and Lutheran Services’ New Americans Program.

She inaugurated the popular Kentucky Derby with Hat-i-tude Fundraiser, which is now in its fifth year.

“I’m thrilled to entrust this small but incredibly important organization to Christina Rary,” Harry said. “Along with our entire board of directors, I welcome her to the role and am excited for the future of the organization under her strong leadership.” 

A hiring committee comprised of RCLC board members conducted an extensive candidate search over the past few months and determined that Rary was the best match for the position.

“She checked all of the boxes, and then some,” said Harry. 

Rary has been a Rowan County resident for the past 6 years. However, her husband is a life-long native. She was previously employed with Rowan-Salisbury School System as a teacher, principal fellow and most recently assistant principal at Isenberg Elementary School.

She earned her bachelor’s degree from UNC-Chapel Hill in sociology and anthropology with a minor in social and economic justice. She also earned a master’s degree in executive leadership from Western Carolina University.

Harry and Rary overlapped for a few weeks to ensure a smooth transition and see that all volunteer and client needs are appropriately met.

Allison Doby, president of the board of directors of RCLC said, “As we welcome our new executive director, Christina Rary with open arms, we express our heartfelt gratitude to our outgoing leader, Laurel Harry. Laurel brought us innovative ideas and led us toward a path of success with her dedication and guidance.”

The Rowan County Literacy Council is a 501(c)(3) organization, headquartered in the main branch of the Rowan Public Library at 201 W. Fisher St. Services provided include free one-on-one tutoring to county residents in the following programs: Youth Literacy, Adult English as a Second Language, Adult Basic Education, GED preparation and citizenship preparation. Demand for services is at an all-time high. No teaching or foreign language experience is required to volunteer, and all training and materials are provided free of charge. To learn more about RCLC or to become a volunteer, go to www.rcliteracy.org.