For nearly 20 years, Naterra McQueen has been helping keep Wake County safe as an Environmental Consultant. Since joining in 2005, she’s been doing exactly what she always dreamed of: serving as a health inspector.
“I always wanted to be a health inspector, and Wake County has always been known for its high standards,” Naterra said. “I wanted to work with the best.”
Naterra’s path began with a degree in Human Sciences, with a concentration in Food Science, from North Carolina Central University in 1998. After graduation, she managed restaurants for YUM Brands, spending six years at KFC. It was during that time that her own health inspector suggested she apply for the role she now loves.
Today, her days are anything but routine. Naterra starts at 8:30 a.m. answering calls and emails. From there, her work could take her to a restaurant, childcare center, nursing home, swimming pool, food stand, mobile food unit or to investigate a foodborne illness complaint. She performs at least 35 inspections each month, often two or three in a single day.
“I try every day to make sure the citizens of Wake County are eating in safe establishments, that our childcare centers are safe and that every facility I inspect is meeting the standards,” she said. “My family lives here too. When people see a sanitation grade card with my signature on it, I want them to know I did my best to make sure that facility was safe that day.”
The work can come with challenges. “At times, operators may see me as a critic or feel like I’m working against the process they have in place,” Naterra explained. “But over time, as trust builds, they see we have the same goal—keeping people safe. I really enjoy working with operators, solving problems and seeing the improvements they make. When they put into practice what we’ve discussed and their scores go up, that’s rewarding.”
When she’s not inspecting facilities, Naterra stays busy with hobbies and passions that show her fun side. She enjoys bowling with friends, playing Fling Golf, traveling and spending time with family. A history buff, she loves anything about King Henry VIII and little-known historical facts. She’s also a fan of all things Mandalorian, especially Baby Yoda.
During Registered Environmental Health Specialist Week, we celebrate professionals like Naterra, whose dedication, passion and expertise keep our community safe, healthy and thriving.
