Order of the Palmetto

Executive Director, Dr. Kay Phillips, Receives Prestigious Award

We are proud to announce that our esteemed Executive Director, Dr. Kay Phillips, received The Order of the Palmetto in a special presentation at our Pinwheel Gala on August 26, 2023!

The Order of the Palmetto is the highest civilian honor awarded by the Governor of South Carolina. It is awarded to South Carolinians who demonstrate extraordinary lifetime achievement, service, and contributions of national or statewide significance.

The award was presented by SC Representative, Robby Robbins, alongside SC Senator Sean Bennett, and SC Representatives Gil Gatch, and Gary Brewer. Also in attendance for this special presentation were her husband, Ralph Phillips, her mother, Faye Whittemore, and other family members; as well as members of the DCAC Board of Directors, and Staff.

Dr. Phillips received the National Children’s Alliance. “Horowitz-Barker Lifetime Achievement Award” in 2022. She currently serves as a Committee Member on the Joint Citizen and Legislative Committee on Children for the State of South Carolina; as a Board Member of the South Carolina Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers; and as a Member of the Roper St. Francis Healthcare Board of Directors. She also served as a Member of the Advisory Group for the Statewide Response to Child Abuse and Neglect.

Dr. Phillips has served as Executive Director of the Dorchester Children’s Advocacy Center for the past 19 years. Under her leadership, more than 17,000 children and their families have been provided with the tools they need to start on a successful path to recovery from child abuse and neglect.