Interim director named for Beaufort County's Department of Social Services

An interim replacement has been named for the outgoing director of the Beaufort County Department of Social Services, a state DSS spokeswoman said.

Ron Smith, a regional director for the state DSS, will be the county's interim director, according to Marilyn Matheus.

Matheus said she didn't know when, or if, a permanent director would be named.

Keith Davis, former director of the county DSS, resigned earlier this month.

It is unclear why Davis resigned. He has held the position for about 18 months. He has not returned several phone messages seeking comment.

Davis announced his resignation on Monday to the Beaufort County Council. He discussed the impact of state budget cuts on his department.

Among other things, DSS arranges for children to be placed with foster and adoptive families and helps arrange food assistance services.