Social services organization names new president

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The Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina has named Donna L. Waites its new president.

Waites, currently vice president of programs for the foundation, takes over for Tom Keith, retiring after 26 years with the organization.

“Waites is a proven leader and is the right person to continue the important mission of the Sisters of Charity Foundation,” Andy Folsom, foundation board chair, said in a news release. “Donna is a courageous leader who is mission-driven and will continue to build important alliances and relationships to further the foundation’s work across South Carolina.”

Waites has been part of the foundation since 2015 and has served Sisters of Charity Health System ministries, including Providence Hospitals, Providence Development Foundation and Healthy Learners, for more than 20 years. 

“I am immensely grateful to the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine, and to our board, for trusting me with this important responsibility,” Waites said. “Serving alongside the Sisters for all of these years has been one of my life’s greatest blessings and I am excited for this next chapter of service.”

Waites earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina and a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Columbia College. She is active in several professional and community organizations and serves as an elder of Downtown Church in Columbia.

“Donna is a talented and respected leader, and we are so proud that she will be serving as our next president,” said Sister Judith Ann Karam, congregational leader for the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine. “She will be a strong advocate for the individuals, families, and organizations that we support on a daily basis.”

Sisters of Charity engaged Greenville-based search firm Find Great People in the hiring process.

"I am overjoyed that Donna has been given the opportunity to serve as the foundation’s next president,” Keith said. “Donna is an extraordinary leader who will take the foundation to new heights and successes.”