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Richland First Steps Welcomes New CEO to Lead Organization into the Future (Page 67)

Richland First Steps (RFS), a leading early childhood education and family support organization in Richland County, has announced Elizabeth Kabalka, MSSW, as its new Chief Executive Officer. Kabalka will officially step into her role on April 21, bringing a deep background in nonprofit leadership, early childhood development, and community engagement.

Kabalka most recently served as Programs Director at Smart Start of Mecklenburg in Charlotte, N.C., where she managed nearly $13 million in public funding to support education, health, literacy, and family support services. During her five-year tenure, she led key initiatives to improve early care and education quality across the county.

“Elizabeth Kabalka brings a wealth of knowledge, a proven track record in program management, and a deep passion for improving outcomes for young children and families,” said Davida Price, Chair of the RFS Executive Search Committee. “Her expertise will be invaluable as we expand our impact in Richland County.”

Kabalka’s career has been rooted in child development, community collaboration, and nonprofit sustainability. She previously held leadership positions with the Center for Mindful Living and the Chattanooga Women’s Leadership Institute, where she implemented innovative programming and built strong partnerships.

“Elizabeth’s leadership comes at a pivotal time,” added Rachael Fulmer, Chair of the RFS Board. “As we celebrate 25 years of serving families in Richland County, she is the ideal leader to carry our mission forward.”

Kabalka holds a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Tennessee and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Georgia State University. Her community involvement includes board and committee service focused on developing collaborative solutions to improve child and family well-being.

“I am honored to join Richland First Steps and continue its mission of preparing young children for school and life success,” said Kabalka. “This organization plays a critical role in supporting families and strengthening our community. I look forward to building on that strong foundation.”

Since its founding in 1999, Richland First Steps has supported families and young children through programs like Early Head Start, home visitation, and school readiness initiatives. With Kabalka at the helm, the organization is poised to continue its impactful work well into the future.

For more information about Richland First Steps and its programs, visit www.richlandfirststeps.org.

Richland First Steps Welcomes New CEO to Lead Organization into the Future

2025-04-17
By: John
On: April 17, 2025
In: Education

Richland First Steps (RFS), a leading early childhood education and family support organization in Richland County, has announced Elizabeth Kabalka, MSSW, as its new ChiefContinue Reading

MUSC Health Columbia Unveils State-of-the-Art Hybrid OR and Cardiac ICU

2025-04-17
By: John
On: April 17, 2025
In: Community News, Health

New facilities enhance advanced heart care in the Midlands MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center Downtown marked a major milestone in cardiac care with a ribbon-cuttingContinue Reading

Blythewood wins NIKE Palmetto Cup

2025-04-17
By: John
On: April 17, 2025
In: Community News

By Thomas Grant Jr. Going undefeated over three days of soccer play earned Blythewood the NIKE Palmetto Cup title in the boys division. The BengalsContinue Reading

Southeastern BBQ Showdown Returns to Columbia in 2026, Bringing the Heat to Gamecock Park

2025-04-16
By: John
On: April 16, 2025
In: Events

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Barbecue fans, mark your calendars! The wildly popular Southeastern BBQ Showdown is set to make its return to Columbia on April 24–25,Continue Reading

Discover Local Flavor at Capital City/Lake Murray Country Farmers Markets

2025-04-16
By: John
On: April 16, 2025
In: Community News

Looking to soak in the local culture while enjoying fresh produce, artisan goods, and a welcoming community vibe? The Capital City/Lake Murray Country region isContinue Reading

Southeastern Freight Lines Celebrates 75 Years of Service in Columbia and Atlanta

2025-04-16
By: John
On: April 16, 2025
In: Business

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Southeastern Freight Lines, a leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, is celebrating an impressive 75 years of delivering “Quality WithoutContinue Reading

What happened to the book’s reader? They just upped and left.

2025-04-16
By: John
On: April 16, 2025
In: Columns

By Tom Poland, A Southern WriterTomPoland.net Late 1950s. May 1. Riding with Dad by a cement block house. White. A few clothes out back onContinue Reading

Blythewood boys leads NIKE Palmetto Cup

2025-04-16
By: John
On: April 16, 2025
In: Sports

By Thomas Grant Jr. Spring Break could produce a NIKE Palmetto Cup championship for the Blythewood boys’ soccer team. A 3-0 over Ben Lippen TuesdayContinue Reading

Archrivals compete at Forest Acres Classic

2025-04-16
By: John
On: April 16, 2025
In: Sports

By Thomas Grant Jr. Before facing each other starting next Tuesday in a home-at-home series for first place in Region 4-5A, Lexington and River BluffContinue Reading

Memphis’ visit marks return of Jackson

2025-04-12
By: John
On: April 12, 2025
In: Sports

By Thomas Grant Jr. CHARLOTTE, NC – For the first time as an NBA player, Memphis Grizzlies’ forward G.G. Jackson II was back in theContinue Reading

A growing concern over plastic food containers

2025-04-10
By: John
On: April 10, 2025
In: Columns, Health

By Eileen Renders Many of us have lived long enough to see such changes as refrigerators replacing Ice Boxes, Wringer washing machines have been replacedContinue Reading

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