Senior Program Director

LaToya Reed

Senior Program Director Statewide Initiatives & Youth Services

Lexington, South Carolina 29072 803-***-**** **********@*****.*** LinkedIn Profile PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Visionary and results-driven executive leader with over 15 years of experience advancing statewide youth and family programs through strategic planning, cross-sector collaboration, and high-impact leadership. Demonstrated success in building systems that scale, maximizing funding utilization, and managing large-scale volunteer networks. Recognized for transforming underperforming programs, increasing stakeholder engagement, and delivering measurable outcomes in education, housing, and youth empowerment. Committed to servant leadership, excellence, and driving sustainable change in communities.

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

• Executive Leadership & Visioning

• Program Design, Reform &

Expansion

• Stakeholder & Community

Engagement

• Budget Oversight & Grant

Compliance

• Volunteer Program Development &

Management

• Youth Advocacy & Development

Programming

• Public Speaking & Media Relations

• Policy Development & Strategic

Planning

• Operational Systems & Process

Improvement

• Training Design, Facilitation &

Compliance

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

SOUTH CAROLINA OFFICE OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL 2018-2024 Director, South Carolina Youth ChalleNGe Academy

• Oversaw two statewide programs for at-risk youth, ensuring educational, career, and personal development outcomes were met across both academies.

• Established strategic partnerships with Midlands Tech and Southeastern Esthetics Institute, offering youth certifications in cosmetology, massage therapy, and trades.

• Launched a Youth Advisory Board to bring student voice into programming decisions, improving alignment with youth needs and increasing program engagement.

• Spearheaded a full rewrite of mission, vision, and values in partnership with Clemson University, leading to improved team dynamics, staff buy-in, and clearer external messaging — contributing to increased enrollment and volunteer interest.

• Improved audit scores by 2 levels within two years by developing clear, standardized SOPs and enhancing compliance systems.

• Condensed and optimized intake and application processes, reducing administrative burdens and improving applicant experience.

• Led organization-wide training reform by hiring a training coordinator and ensuring mandatory completion of 10–12 federal trainings annually, boosting regulatory alignment and team readiness.

• Acted as public spokesperson, representing the program through TV, radio, and conference appearances to strengthen visibility and community trust.

• Manage over 7 million budget annually ensuring compliance of operating and capital expenditures.

SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES 2014-2018 State Coordinator, Independent Living Program

• Oversaw distribution of over $500,000 annually in federal Chafee and ETV funds, ensuring funding supported youth in areas of education, housing, and life skills.

• Reduced returned federal funds from $100K+ to just $1,200, reversing years of underspending by streamlining application processes and improving awareness across 46 counties.

• Facilitated statewide marketing efforts to increase visibility of independent living resources, including county trainings and stakeholder conferences.

• Grew community partnerships by 50%, building trusted relationships through consistent outreach, quarterly stakeholder meetings, and hands-on collaboration.

• Organized and led the annual Independent Living Youth Conference, engaging hundreds of youth in foster care with workshops, resources, and mentorship connections.

• Supported tangible housing outcomes by increasing youth access to first-time housing support, including rent stipends and essential furnishings.

• Advocated for and expanded college funding awareness through the ETV program, increasing foster youth enrollment and retention in post-secondary programs.

• Manage approximately 2 million budget annually ensuring compliance of operating and capital expenditures.

SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE 2005-2014 Director of Volunteer Services 2012-2014

• Led a statewide volunteer program spanning over 1,400 volunteers across multiple counties and facilities, ensuring compliance, engagement, and operational consistency.

• Increased the volunteer base by 500–600 individuals, implementing new outreach, training, and engagement strategies across the state.

• Centralized all volunteer operations under one system, introducing standardized processes for background checks, training, and record management, improving both oversight and compliance.

• Managed over $100,000 annually in in-kind donations, including hygiene supplies, food, and event support from churches and community organizations.

• Planned and executed large-scale events, including annual volunteer appreciation banquets and the first-ever carnival-style programming inside secured facilities.

• Served as the central point of contact for volunteer inquiries and issues, ensuring timely conflict resolution and community trust.

• Conducted over 200 training sessions for staff, volunteers, and facility personnel on volunteer engagement, expectations, and conflict management.

• Developed and maintained partnerships with community leaders and organizations to boost volunteer recruitment and program visibility statewide. EDUCATION

Liberty University, Lynchburg, Virginia

Master of Arts – Human Services, Spring 2013

Columbia International University (CIU), Columbia, South Carolina Bachelor of Science – Youth Ministry and Bible, Spring 2006 CERTIFICATES, AWARDS AND TRAINING

Frontline Leadership Certificate

Training of Trainers Certificate

Volunteer Management Certificate

Juvenile Correctional Officer Training

Gospel Ministry Ordination Certificate

Youth Specialist Training

Board Member – Youth Hope Foundation (2006~2018)

Advisory Board – Katrina Kids (2015~2018)

Board Member – Katrina Kids (2018~present)

Board of Directors – Emmaus Church (2019~present)

Award for Visionary Leadership of South Carolina – SC Youth Challenge Academy (2020) Alumni of the Year Award – Columbia International University (2021) Recipient of The Keith A. Frazier Champion for Children Award – SC Foster Parent Association (2024)

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