We wish to inform the community of the upcoming retirement of Barbara Manoski, the Executive Director of Spartanburg First Steps, in February of 2024.
Barbara joined Spartanburg First Steps in 2004. During her early years at First Steps she was named lead for the design team that founded Quality Counts and then served as the Quality Counts founding director. In 2020 Quality Counts was named the winner of the Whatworks SC Award. In 2018 she assumed the role of Executive Director. During her tenure, the agency has seen steady growth, the introduction of new initiatives and partnerships, and a significant increase in grants and leveraged funds, which has grown to 8 million annually. Her guidance has been instrumental in navigating the agency through various phases, ensuring both stability and progress.
“Barbara’s passion for early care and education and her dedication to providing young children and their families much needed programs and services have left an indelible mark on Spartanburg First Steps. We are deeply grateful for her years of service and the legacy she leaves behind,” said Carloyn Gibson, chair of the Spartanburg First Steps Board of Directors.”
As we bid farewell to Barbara and celebrate her many achievements, we also look to the future. The departure of such a pivotal figure naturally brings about change, and with that, opportunity. We are excited to announce that the position of Executive Director will soon be open for hire.
Click here for the full job description and to apply.
Barbara joined Spartanburg First Steps in 2004 and will retire in February 2024. During her early years at First Steps she was named lead for the design team that founded Quality Counts and then served as the Quality Counts founding director. In 2020 Quality Counts was named the winner of the Whatworks SC Award. In 2018 she assumed the role of Executive Director. Under her leadership, the agency experienced strong growth, including an almost 50% increase in grants and leveraged funds, totaling 8 million annually, to provide support services and programs to young children and their families in Spartanburg County. During her tenure, Spartanburg First Steps increased community partnerships and collaboration efforts, including assuming the role as the Operator and Administrator of The Franklin School. Her guidance has been instrumental in navigating the agency through various phases, ensuring both stability and progress.
A dedicated Search Committee is in place to guide the process of finding the next Executive Director for Spartanburg First Steps. The committee is comprised of esteemed members of the Spartanburg community, each bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to ensure a thorough and thoughtful selection process.
Walker Barnes (Committee Lead): An attorney at Boulier Thompson & Barnes, LLC, Walker also serves on the board of Spartanburg County First Steps, bringing legal expertise and a deep understanding of our organization’s mission.
Carolyn Gibson (Board Chair): As our Board Chair, Carolyn is a retired educator with a rich history with Spartanburg First Steps, having previously worked with the Quality Counts team. Her experience in education and her commitment to our cause make her an invaluable member of this committee.
Other members are Dr. Arthur Brewton, Dr. Terry Pruitt, Anna Strom, Dr. Nur Tanyel, and Ida Thompson.
Spartanburg First Steps is seeking an Executive Director to lead our agency into its next chapter. The desired candidate will have a strong background in working with families and children. This role demands responsibility for the successful leadership, overall management, and operations of the agency, aligning with the strategic direction and policies set by South Carolina First Steps and Spartanburg County First Steps Board of Directors. The Executive Director will ensure all programs and initiatives resonate with our agency’s mission and vision, aiming to achieve strategic objectives. Furthermore, the Executive Director will represent the organization within the broader community, fostering partnerships, advocacy objectives, programming initiatives, and community partnership goals. The salary range for this pivotal position is $75,000 – $90,000. We encourage interested candidates to apply by the deadline of October 19, 2023. Click here for the full job description and to apply.
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