Longtime Charleston-area executive stepping down

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North Charleston-based nonprofit HALOS is on the search for a new executive director.

Kim Clifton, who has led the organization for the past 17 years, is transitioning from the nonprofit, according to a news release.

Clifton will continue to serve while a nationwide search for a new executive director occurs through the executive search firm, Find Good People, the release stated.

“It has been my honor and privilege to lead HALOS and build the first nonprofit in South Carolina focused solely on kinship care,” Clifton said in the release. “I know that I am leaving a strong, stable organization that is poised for continued growth. I am excited about new opportunities to continue working in the nonprofit and philanthropic sector in another capacity and look forward to seeing the influence HALOS will continue to have around the state and nation.”

HALOS’ Kinship Program began in 2007 to serve grandparents and relatives caring for a loved one's child to keep them out of foster care; since that time, more than 1,500 families have been served, the release stated. Under Clifton’s leadership, HALOS has become a framework for the state and has been recognized on a national level, according to the release.

“Kim has approached her role at HALOS with innovation and drive to reach kinship families and raise awareness about the important work kinship caregivers are doing,” said Randall Cercopely, HALOS’ chairman of the board. “Under Kim’s leadership, HALOS has not only grown exponentially, she has created a blueprint for the state and the nation. We are sad to see her go, but grateful for her time and dedication to kinship care. Kim leaves us in excellent standing and will remain while we search for an equally innovative leader to continue HALOS’ impact.”

Under Clifton’s leadership, SCDSS has partnered with HALOS to recognize and acknowledge the obstacles kinship families face and provide specific services and resources for those families, the release stated. HALOS partners with SCDSS to build the capacity of other organizations throughout the state to provide kinship services.