Albemarle County announced the appointment of Phyllis Savides to Director of the Department of Social Services effective July 8.
Savides is replacing Kathy Ralston, who retired on June 30, 2015 after 39 years with Albemarle County. Savides will lead the workplace in serving residents with her over 17 years of experience in the Department of Social Services. Savides will oversee numerous programs that promote self-sufficiency, individual and family safety, and provide support to the most vulnerable members of the community.
Ms. Savides has an extensive background in the health and human services field in both public and private positions. Her more than 20 years of public sector work includes service to the Region Ten Community Services Board, the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County. During the past 17 years, Ms. Savides has worked in several capacities for the County’s Department of Social Services including Foster Care/Adoption Supervisor, Family Preservation Services Supervisor, Foster Care Social Worker and, most recently, as Assistant Director for the department responsible for oversight of Adult and Child Protective Services, Foster Care, Adoptions and Benefits.
“The County is indeed very fortunate to have this opportunity to continue the legacy of leadership in the Department of Social Services with someone of Phyllis’ caliber,” stated Tom Foley, Albemarle County Executive. “Phyllis is an exemplary human services professional, dedicated, long-serving county employee and proven leader within the agency and local community,” added Foley. “ACDSS is a model for effective, high performance organizations throughout the State and Phyllis has played and will continue to play a key role in the agency’s success,” Foley concluded.
Savides has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the College of William and Mary and a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin. Savides is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and received her licensure in 1990.
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