News

September 2, 2025

Palmetto Place Children and Youth Services Announces New Leadership Team

Palmetto Place Children and Youth Services, provider of housing and services for youth who have faced abuse, abandonment, neglect, or homelessness in the Midlands of South Carolina, is pleased to announce that Damien Talley has been named Executive Director and Heather Turner has been promoted to the role of Deputy Director.

Damien joins Palmetto Place as a mission-driven leader in working with disadvantaged youth, and Heather, the current Interim Executive Director and Human Resources and Operations Manager, has been an integral member of the team since 2021, overseeing HR operations and compliance and fully engaging in outreach to the community.

“It is evident that Damien’s life’s work has been about creating stability, opportunity, and dignity for young people who too often face hardship alone,” Shirley Clark, Palmetto Place board chair, said, “and Heather has continued to show her leadership and commitment to the organization as she efficiently held dual roles through this transition. Their skills complement each other in the best possible way, and we are looking forward to how their leadership will support and expand our services to disadvantaged youth.”

“I am humbled and excited to step into the role of Executive Director of Palmetto Place Children and Youth Services, where I see both a strong foundation and a powerful opportunity. My commitment is to build on the incredible work already being done,” said Talley.

Damien holds a B.A. in Sociology from Lane College and a Masters of Education from Tennessee State University and has had roles as Vice President of Supportive Housing of the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless; Executive Director of the Durham Crisis Response Center; Chief Program Officer of the Friends of Youth, and Vice President of Domestic Violence Services and Director of Residential Services of the YWCA of Nashville & Middle Tennessee.

Heather holds a B.A. in Accounting and Communications and a Master of Arts in Organizational Change and Leadership from Columbia College. Before joining Palmetto Place, Heather has had roles as Director of Admissions and Associate Vice President of Enrollment and Special Projects at Allen University; Regional Recruitment Director, South Region of City Year, Inc.; and

Recruitment and Operations Manager, Service & Events/Young Heroes Senior Program Manager, and Civic Engagement Project Leader at City Year Columbia.

The Palmetto Place Board would like to welcome Damien to South Carolina and also extend congratulations and appreciation to Heather Turner.