Cabarrus County announces leadership restructuring, names new EMS chief

Longtime EMS Chief Jimmy Lentz takes on expanded emergency services role, while Justin Brines is promoted to EMS chief as Cabarrus County reorganizes several departments without adding positions.

Longtime Cabarrus County EMS Chief Jimmy Lentz (left) has been named Chief of Emergency Services, while Deputy Chief Justin Brines has been promoted to EMS chief. Photo courtesy of Cabarrus County.

This story was adapted from a Cabarrus County news release.

Cabarrus County is restructuring several of its departments and expanding the responsibilities of key administrators in an effort to improve coordination, streamline operations and strengthen the delivery of services to residents.

The changes include expanded leadership responsibilities across emergency services, finance and legal compliance, with longtime Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Chief Jimmy Lentz assuming a broader role and Deputy Chief Justin Brines being promoted to EMS chief.

Lentz will now serve as Chief of Emergency Services, overseeing EMS, Emergency Management and Fire Services, while Brines will assume responsibility for the day-to-day leadership of EMS.

The restructuring also places County Attorney Doug Hall in the newly designated role of Chief Compliance Officer and Finance Director Jim Howden in the role of Chief Financial Officer.