Lee disabilities administrator wins award

By RANDY BURNS
Item Staff Writer
rburns@theitem.com

A Lee County program administrator has been recognized by the South Carolina Service Providers Association.

Mary Mack, executive director of the Lee County Disabilities and Special Needs Board, received the Debbie Burton Making a Difference Award presented by association officials at a recent luncheon held in Columbia.

Mack, who is in her eighth year as director of the Lee County program, said she is “honored by the recognition.

“And I was humbled to say the least,” Mack said. “Because I realize that there are so many people in this state who do the job I do every day. Our job never stops. It's 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”

Mack was nominated for the award by her secretary, Linda Gainey. Gainey has known her for 23 years and has served as Mack's secretary for the past seven years.

“I know firsthand she is truly an advocate for individuals with disabilities,” Mack said. “Her door is always open to staff, clients and their families. Her number one concern is finding a better way of life for the clients of the Lee County Disabilities and Special Needs Board.”

The award was established by the S.C. Human Service Providers Association in honor of Burton and is presented each year to an individual in the state for outstanding leadership in developing and providing services for people with disabilities and special needs.

Burton was born with Down's Syndrome. She went on to become a vocal and devoted advocate for children and adults with disabilities and special needs.

She was the daughter of Felton Burton, former executive director of the Burton Center in Greenwood.

Mack, a resident of Lamar, has 25 years of experience in the human service field.

Mack has been employed with the Lee County Disabilities and Special Needs Board since 1987.

She has served as a service coordinator supervisor, residential director, and assistant executive director before taking on the position of executive director in 2002. “Ms. Mack hasn't asked us to do anything she hadn't done herself,” Gainey said. “And she has done it all.”

Officials recognized Mack “as a pioneer in the field of human services and an advocate for those who cannot help themselves.”

Contact Staff Writer Randy Burns at rburns@theitem.com or (803) 491-4533.