Former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley’s second failed choice to lead the scandal-scarred state Department of Social Services (SCDSS) is resigning her post effective July 16.
Susan Alford made the announcement in a lengthy email to agency employees.
“I am retiring, as of July 16, 2018, from my position as state director,” Alford wrote. “The decision to retire has been difficult, but at the same time, I am absolutely certain it is the right decision for me and my family.”
Alford’s email cited numerous “accomplishments” – including $52 million in new recurring annual funding for the embattled bureaucracy – however her record since taking over for Haley’s first failed choice, Lillian Koller, has been every bit as abysmal.
The bottom line is simple: Despite receiving more money and hiring more caseworkers, this agency continues to fail in its core mission. Often with the most tragic of consequences.
Alford’s replacement will be chosen by S.C. governor Henry McMaster, who has done absolutely nothing over the last year-and-a-half to fix the mess he inherited from Haley. Not surprisingly, we are less-than-optimistic as to McMaster’s ability to find a competent manager for SCDSS.
UPDATE: The story behind the resignation …
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