As of June 10, 2024, the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) in Fayetteville welcomed a new executive director , John F. Webster, to their nonprofit organization’s team–replacing its interim ED, Roberta Humphries.

Webster received his Bachelor of Arts in Government and Secondary Education from Campbell University before beginning his career as a social worker at Harnett County Department of Social Services, soon moving into a position as a child protective services investigator. His career path led him to a supervisory position in child protective services for Wake County Human Services.

Webster then took a position at the administrative office of the courts’ guardian ad litem program, where he served as a program supervisor of a three-county judicial district. He was serving as the child welfare program manager of permanency planning and adoptions for Johnston County Department of Social Services when he applied for and accepted the position at the CAC.

Webster’s professional training and experience includes interaction management, family/custody mediation and facilitation, recruitment/marketing, supervision for managers and professionals, and forensic interviewing.

When asked about assuming the role of ED for the CAC, Webster stated in a release:
“I am truly honored to be named to this position, and I feel it is a position that will be a good match for me, as my experience has offered me unique vantage points in the child welfare arena–having worked at two DSS agencies, as well as for the guardian ad litem program. I’m looking forward to making lots of solid connections in the Cumberland County area and helping to lead the CAC as it continues to grow in the years to come.” .

According to the CAC board of directors’ chairperson, Nadine Miller-Bernard, Webster’s extensive experience in social services management impressed the board and made their decision to hire him that much easier. 

“Webster is an experienced leader who possesses the skill and passion to advance our mission to support the children and families served at the Child Advocacy Center,” Miller-Bernard shared in a press release. 

In his personal life, Webster is married and a father of two adult children. He serves as an elder, Sunday school teacher, and board member of Hickory Grove Advent Christian Church. He also is a referee and umpire for school and community basketball, softball, and baseball, as well as an accomplished pianist.