Michael Leach is the State Director for the South Carolina Department of Social Services. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Leach served as Deputy Commissioner over Child Programs at the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services for more than 10 years. There, he also served as Executive Director of the Office of Continuous Quality Improvement; Director of Performance and Quality Improvement, Director; Independent Living and Director of System Integrations. He has done extensive public speaking related to his experience with the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) tool, Extension of Foster Care and accreditation through the Council on Accreditation. Mr. Leach was also a therapist at the Vanderbilt Child and Adolescent Outpatient Clinic in Tennessee and has experience in facilitating crisis response services at a community mental health center and case management in congregate care.
Chief of Staff
Emily Parks
(803) 898-0585
Adult Advocacy
Kelly Cordell, Director
(803) 898-7654
Chief Financial Officer
Don Grant
803-898-7402
Child Support Services
Tim Mose, Director
(803) 898-9240
Child Welfare Services
Karen Jointer Bryant, Deputy State Director
(803) 898-1370
Communications
Pamela T. Bryant, Director
(803) 898-1512
Data, Accountability and Research
Diana Tester, Director
(803) 898-7880
Economic Services
Amber Gillum, Deputy State Director
(803) 898-7474
General Counsel
Tony Catone
(803) 898-7368
Human Resources
Deirdre Blake-Sayers, Director
(803) 898-1912
Individual and Provider Rights
Deanene P. Thornwell, Director
(803) 898-7221
Information Technology
Jose Encarnacion, Director
(803) 724-5325
Inspector General
Anthony J. Sellers
(803) 898-8005
Internal Audits
Beth Adkins, Director
(803) 898-7458
Legislative Liaison
Connelly-Anne Ragley
(803) 898-4357
Staff Development and Training
Garry James, Interim Director
(803) 734-1398
For help with an existing program or service, contact 803-898-7601 or email ConstituentServices@dss.sc.gov
Do not use email to make a report of abuse or neglect. To make a report of abuse or neglect, click here to contact your local DSS office or call law enforcement immediately.