DSS Names New Laurens County Director

Columbia, SC – The South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS) named Avery Martin as Director of Laurens County DSS on May 18, 2017. Martin replaces Kenneth McBride, Newberry County Director, who served as interim for Laurens from May 2016 until May 17, 2017.

Prior to DSS, Mr. Martin worked in Title One schools, non-profits and with the nationally recognized Children’s Defense Fund. He started his DSS career in 2014 as a Family Preservation worker in Greenville County, then served as Program Coordinator II under the SC Child Care Early Care & Education Division, before being promoted to his current position of County Director of Laurens DSS.

Mr. Martin is a graduate of University of South Carolina Upstate with a B.A. degree in Non-Profit Leadership and Child Advocacy and a Minor in Elementary Literature and Curriculum. He also earned an A.A.S degree in Interactive Media Design from the Art Institute of Charlotte.

As he nears his first month in his new position, Martin said, “The job has shown great rewards and challenges so far and I continue to have the mindset of being the change I desire to see moving forward. Greater is coming and I’m grateful to have the leadership that supports me on a daily basis in DSS Region V, starting with Nicole Foulks, DSS Regional Director. I’m excited about the intentional efforts (by staff) we’ve had within this first month and how we will grow in the coming months.” Mr. Martin looks forward to working with the staff and community partners to serve the children and families of Laurens County. His hometown is Greenville and he still resides in Greenville County.