Epworth Children’s Home announced today that the Board of Trustees has selected Epworth’s current Chief Operating Officer (COO), Beth Williams, as its next President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the organization. An experienced leader with over 25 years of service in the child welfare industry, Williams will succeed Reverend John E. Holler and assume responsibilities this summer. After 15 years of service to Epworth, Rev. Holler is retiring.
For the past three years, Williams has served as the COO of Epworth Children’s Home. She had an integral role in launching the Institute of Child and Family Wellbeing, Epworth’s state-wide comprehensive initiative that serves children and families of South Carolina in immediate need. The Institute is comprised of centers of excellence that cover a myriad of child and family wellbeing needs. Her leadership and knowledge have propelled Epworth in growth and new programs.
According to Rev. Smoke Kanipe, Epworth’s Board of Trustees Chair, “We are privileged to have Beth Williams move into the role of CEO. Her drive, passion and experience in program development will be an incredible asset to Epworth for years to come. The board is confident that she will lead the organization well and more children and families will receive the assistance they need under her leadership.”
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in counseling studies, Williams has spent her entire career advocating for children and families. She has worked for and held leaderships positions for the Bair Foundation, a national Christian foster care and adoption agency, as well as Miracle Hill, a large, faith-based nonprofit in South Carolina. Williams has managed multiple teams and regional offices and is gifted in coaching and developing leaders.
“I am honored to have been selected to lead Epworth following Reverend Holler’s retirement. Together, we have expanded Epworth’s programing to help more children and families across South Carolina through a continuum of services, and I am committed to continuing to grow and develop the Institute for Child and Family Wellbeing so that additional children and families can receive the services that they need. I am passionate about continuous improvement and quality of services for the vulnerable population,” Williams stated.
Williams also serves on the Palmetto Association for Children and Families Public Policy Committee, as the Family Focused Treatment Association State Chair, and on the Statewide Advisory Council for Kinship Care.
