Margaret Barber
Margaret Barber
Director, South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice
Family: Husband Evan; son Stowe and daughter-in-law Wendy; grandchildren Lula Porter and Townes
Education: B.A. in Social Work, Winthrop University
Favorite Thing to See, Do or Eat in Columbia: Because of [former DJJ director] Judge Byars, I’ve falled in love with Hot Dog Heaven on Broad River Road. We've eaten there so often that the staff knows my order right away — a grilled chicken sandwich.”
Words of Wisdom: Life is never what you plan — it’s what you make of it. Go with what you’ve been given and make something of it.”
Margaret Barber was appointed by Governor Nikki Haley and confirmed this past February as Director of the S.C. Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). Barber began a lifelong career in social services as a probation officer in York County in the late '60s and has served as DJJ chief of staff from 2007 to January 2011. Other positions within DJJ include Upstate Regional Administrator (1999-2007) and York County Director (1993-1999).
“From staff members to field workers to our many volunteers, the people at DJJ are truly a family,” says Barber. “Their energy inspires me — they are so dedicated to helping our children succeed. It speaks well of Columbia that we have more volunteers than staff. We can’t say enough about our friends of Juvenile Justice. They’re part of our family as well, and we couldn’t do it without them. If you’re wondering how you can help, let us connect you — we work hard to match our needs to the strengths of every volunteer and supporter.” A York County native and resident of Fort Mill, Barber says the spirit of collaboration in Columbia is as strong as she’s ever seen.
“As was the previous DJJ administration, I am committed to strong community collaborations. There’s a positive momentum now of working together and building relationships — from the governor to agency directors to police chiefs to mayors to line workers — all for the mutual benefit of those we serve. The key to our success will be to bury negativity and complacency and keep this positive momentum going, and we must. We cannot go stagnant.”