Gov. Nikki Haley Announces Next Department of Social Services Director

Susan Alford Has Served S.C. Families For More Than 30 Years

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Nikki Haley today announced Susan Alford as the next director of the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS). Alford, who has served South Carolina families for over 30 years, has been the Director of the Girls Center at Clemson University’s Youth Learning Institute since 2007.

Video of the governor’s announcement is available here: http://goo.gl/bm7RkV.

“When we started this search, I knew we needed somebody who was able to lead and motivate the agency, but had also experienced what it was like to be on the front lines of child advocacy,” said Gov. Haley. “I was asking for a lot, but we got even more in Susan Alford. She has built an entire career helping children and families in need, and she is the best person to lead the team we have put together.”

Prior to joining the Youth Learning Institute, Alford served in numerous leadership positions over a 13-year period at the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice – including Chief of Staff and Associate Director for Policy and Planning. She began her career as a front line child advocate with the Lexington County Department of Youth Services.

“I can think of no mission that is more important than the one of the South Carolina Department of Social Services,” said Susan Alford. “That mission is to protect those that are most vulnerable and to strengthen the families in our state. I will strive to make sure we do this challenging work with openness, integrity, humility and with determination.”

“We look forward to working with the agency’s new leadership and with Governor Haley to ensure the Department of Social Services protects our most vulnerable citizens – including our children – and meeting the challenges and making changes where they are necessary to strengthen the agency going forward,” said Senator William O’Dell, Chairman Senate General Committee.