DSS Names New Pickens County Director

July 26, 2016 – Officials with the South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS) recently named Gayle Vickery as the Director of Pickens County DSS. She will assume this position on August 2, 2016.

Ms. Vickery began her career with SCDSS in 2002 as the Children’s Service Coordinator with the Intensive Foster Care and Clinical Services division and continued in that role until she was promoted in 2009 to serve as the Anderson and Oconee County Program Director for Intensive Foster Care and Clinical Services.

In 2013, Ms. Vickery came to Pickens County DSS as the Human Services Program Coordinator and has been serving as the interim County Director since April 15, 2016. Ms. Vickery has more than 20 years of experience working within child welfare and a combined 14 years of leadership and management experience with SCDSS.

Ms. Vickery is a graduate from Clemson University with a B.A. in Psychology (with highest honor) and has been a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker for the State of South Carolina since May 9, 1989. Ms. Vickery is also a Certified Addictions Counselor II in the State of South Carolina and received her initial certification in August of 2011.

Keith Frazier, DSS Regional Director said, "Ms. Vickery is enthusiastic and ready to continue her work with the staff and community in Pickens County in her new role as the County Director."