Melanie Wilson, chairperson for the Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition (CGIC) board of directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Kim Clifton as its new executive director, effective Nov. 5, 2024. Clifton will succeed Lizann Roberts who is retiring after seven years at the organization’s helm.

Clifton has worked in the nonprofit sector to support communities, youth and families for almost 30 years. Previously, Clifton was the executive director of HALOS, a Charleston, S.C.-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting children and families involved in the child welfare system, where she served for over 17 years. During her tenure, she began the state’s first kinship care program, providing services and support for children placed in the care of grandparents, other relatives, or family friends. The program gained national recognition and became a model used in S.C. to serve kinship families statewide. Her prior experience also includes working as a VISTA Americorp member in Washington state, fundraising roles with WINGS Guatemala and leadership as director of development at Bird Street Community Center in inner-city Boston, Ma.

Since 2023, Cifton has strategic guidance in the development of a statewide Kinship Navigation Program for the S.C. Department of Social Services. In this role, Clifton coordinated public-private partnerships with nonprofit providers and led efforts to create a “kin first” culture within the child welfare system. Additionally, she served on the SCDSS Kin First Culture Subcommittee and Lived Experience Collaboration Committee, which focused on incorporating the voices of those with lived experiences in child welfare work.

Clifton holds a Master of Social Work from Boston University, where she focused on macro social work, including program planning, community organizing and organizational development. She also earned a Bachelor of Science in sociology with a concentration in criminal justice and women’s studies from the College of Charleston. In addition to her professional work, Clifton is currently serving as a board member for Charleston Legal Access, where she began volunteering in June 2024.

Growing up in Savannah, Clifton attended Savannah public schools and spent much of her youth working in her family’s long-standing business, Clifton Dry Cleaners, in Sandfly, which her father owned and operated for over 50 years. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending time with friends and exploring new cuisines. Her parents, both originally from Savannah, now reside in Savannah and Midway, Ga.

“I am thrilled to join CGIC and continue its vital work in improving the quality of life in Coastal Georgia,” said Clifton. “I look forward to working with the community and our partners to build on the progress that has been made.”

Outgoing executive director Lizann Roberts expressed her confidence in Clifton’s leadership, stating, “Kim’s background and her passion for strengthening families and communities make her an excellent fit to lead CGIC. I am excited to see the coalition thrive under her direction.”

Clifton will be introduced formally at the Chatham County Board of Commissioners meeting on Dec. 20, 2024, at which a proclamation honoring Roberts’ contributions will also be presented.