Joseph Dismuke

Manager, NCWorks Career Center, Rowan County

Native of Michigan

Industry: Government

Joseph Dismuke is a 25-year military veteran who spends his spare time working with Veterans’ associations. He is impressed with the Salisbury VA Health Care System and the services it provides to Vets. “We have Vets coming here to live because of the proximity to the VA and bringing the skills that they learned in the military.” He believes strongly in promoting partnerships among community organizations and the VA for the betterment of the community.

“I love working in Rowan County,” he says. “The business and professional relationships that I have made here are priceless. I want to engage in ways to continue to improve and grow Rowan County, without taking away from its charm.”

A native of Michigan, he came to Rowan County four years ago as manager of the NCWorks Career Center, an agency of the North Carolina Department of Commerce. “Previously, he worked with NCWorks as the Local Veterans Employment Representative for the Centralina Region and with the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program in Union and Anson counties. As manager of the Rowan office of NCWorks, he helps people improve their professional skills.

A father of three, Joseph says his favorite outdoor space in Rowan County is Dan Nicholas Park with its zoo, paddle boats, train ride — “just the size of the park with the different activities.” It’s a good family place for younger daughters, Sienna, 15, and Hazel, 13. An older daughter, Makayla, is in medical school in Boston.

His favorite annual event is the Rowan Chamber of Commerce’s Dragon Boat Festival on High Rock Lake. “It’s an activity for the community coming together for fun and competition,” he says. “You see a lot of organizations and people you normally don’t see.”

A favorite restaurant is the Checkered Flag Barbecue because of its friendly customer services and home-cooked daily specials. 

He buys into the Rowan County slogan of “Be an original,” defining it as the ability to “be different and great at the same time.”

“Rowan County is very comfortable and growing with availability of activities, events, and excursions of all types,” he says. The affordable cost-of-living is a plus. “We have the ability to excel because of location and opportunities here. If we continue to show signs of versatility and opportunities, this region will be very important in coming years, especially economically with easy access to Interstate 85.

“If you enjoy a family environment but close enough to the city action without the cost, you will love Rowan County,” he says.