Clemson Youth Outreach Leader chosen new DSS Director

The director of Clemson University’s youth outreach program has been selected as the new director of South Carolina’s Department of Social Services. Gov. Nikki Haley picked Susan Alford to lead the agency tasked with child services and public family benefits. Alford has led the Girls Center, part of the Youth Learning Institute outreach program at Clemson University, since 2007. Prior to that, she was an executive at South Carolina’s Department of Juvenile Justice during Gov. Mark Sanford’s administration. Gov. Haley said Acting Director Amber Gillum, who has led DSS for the past six months, would remain at the agency to assist Alford, who will take over on Jan. 5. Her nomination must be confirmed by the state Senate when they return to session the following week.