Upper Savannah Workforce Development Staff
| Kal Kunkel | Workforce Development Director | kkunkel@uppersavannah.com |
| Ashley Shaffer | Workforce Operations Manager & Finance | ashaffer@uppersavannah.com |
| Toni Belton | Workforce Partner Engagement | tbelton@uppersavannah.com |
| Amber Bearden | Performance & Communications Analyst | abearden@uppersavannah.com |
The Workforce Development Division implements policies set by the Upper Savannah Workforce Development Board, using WIOA funds and other resources to run a regional workforce development system. Key partners in this system include the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, Eckerd, Department of Social Services, Commission for the Blind, Adult Education, and the S.C. Vocational Rehabilitation Department. Our collaboration with these partners is the key to our success.
SC Works Eckerd Staff: WIOA Program Provider
| Deidre Smalls | Regional Manager | DSmalls@eckerd.org |
| Kimbearly Smith | Program Manager | ksmith@eckerd.org |
| Genaya Nesbitt | One Stop Coordinator | gnesbitt@eckerd.org |
| Fredericka Scott | Career Coach | fscott@eckerd.org |
| Melissa Brooks | Career Coach | mebrooks@eckerd.org |
| Michelle Brooks | Career Coach | mibooks@eckerd.org |
Workforce Development Board
The Upper Savannah Workforce Development Board is a volunteer-governed organization that develops policies and oversees local workforce initiatives in collaboration with elected officials. South Carolina has 12 Workforce Development Area Boards, each representing the state’s 46 counties. Upper Savanah’s Region includes the following counties: Greenwood, Laurens, Edgefield, Abbeville, McCormick, Newberry, and Saluda.
Upper Savannah Workforce Development Area Subsequent Designation Petition
Parties who wish to comment on the plans for Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick, Newberry, and Saluda to be together in the Upper Savannah Workforce Development region should submit their comments in writing by April 26, 2023. A copy of the petition is below.
Local Workforce Development Area Subsequent Designation Petition
Email: kkunkel@uppersavannah.com
Fax: 864-941-8090
WIOA Program Allotments for Program Year 2025
In compliance with the Stevens Amendment, funding details for award totals for program year 2026 are provided. Unless otherwise stipulated, all statements, news releases, requests for proposals, bid solicitations, visual presentations, and other applicable documents and programs are fully funded by the U.S. Department of Labor.
WIOA Adult Program
The WIOA Adult Program is supported by the U.S. Department of Labor through a federal award totaling $12,649,383 statewide. The Upper Savannah Workforce Development Area received $655,161 in federal funds for Program Year 2026. 100% of program funding is provided through federal funds.
WIOA Dislocated Worker Program
The WIOA Dislocated Worker Program is supported by the U.S. Department of Labor through a federal award totaling $8,543,660 statewide. The Upper Savannah Workforce Development Area received $272,614 in federal funds for Program Year 2026. 100% of program funding is provided through federal funds.
WIOA Youth Program
The WIOA Youth Program is supported by the U.S. Department of Labor through a federal award totaling $13,291,043 statewide. The Upper Savannah Workforce Development Area received $659,702 in federal funds for Program Year 2026. 100% of program funding is provided through federal funds.
To see a complete report of other local area program allotments, click here.
