ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Alex McKnight has become the new director of Buncombe County Public Safety Communications after serving as the interim director for four months. McKnight plans to focus the department on responsible AI use, deeper integration with public safety partners and more.

McKnight took over the role on Sept. 21, 2026. During his time in the interim position, the director “worked to rebuild strong foundations in the department’s staffing, training, accountability, communication, relationships and consistent expectations,” Buncombe County said in a press release.

“We’ve also worked to strengthen relationships with our public safety partners, improve 911 call-answer performance, increase employee involvement in department decisions and make sure our frontline staff have a greater voice in where the department is headed,” McKnight added. “I want to continue that work.”

Some of the other work McKnight has planned is an the development of specialized 911 operations, like tactical dispatch and communications support for swift water rescue and urban search and rescue.

“I want us to continue looking beyond the traditional model of 911,” McKnight said. “At the same time, none of those initiatives matter if we don’t first take care of our people and maintain strong core operations.”

McKnight sees the work of the 911 office as a job rooted in people.

“The work of 911 is ultimately about people,” said McKnight. “Our telecommunicators are often the first point of contact during someone’s worst day, and they carry an enormous responsibility that most people never see. My job is to make sure they have the leadership, resources, support, and organizational structure they need to succeed.”

For more about Buncombe County Public Safety Communications, visit www.buncombenc.gov/455/Public-Safety-Communications-911.