The Trailblazer of the Year is a new award category this year and recognizes a woman that is a leader in their industry, shows courage and passion, has overcome great obstacles, and has truly blazed a trail for the women behind her.   

Congratulations to the 2019 Trailblazer of the Year, Dr. Kay Phillips. Dr. Kay W. Phillips has been the executive director of Dorchester Children’s Advocacy Center in Summerville, SC for over 15 years. Under Dr. Phillips’ leadership, DCAC has grown from serving 57 clients in 2004 to serving an average of 1,200 annually and has expanded the DCAC facility by 6,000 square feet. She has grown the agency from being a single person staff to managing a staff of 24 professional and qualified individuals. Over 12,000 child abuse and neglect victims have been served by DCAC under her leadership. In Kay’s 15 years at DCAC, she has brought over 13 new clinical services to the center.  

Dr. Phillips works on various teams to fight the child abuse epidemic and educate others about the CAC model. On a local level, Dr. Phillips hosts training and monthly educational opportunities for leaders and other community members to learn about the CAC model and the need for it in our community. At the state level, she is a current board member of the South Carolina Network of Child Advocacy Centers and has served in the past as the president and secretary of the organization. 

Dr. Phillips is working toward bettering outcomes for children across South Carolina in her current role as a governor appointee to the South Carolina Joint Citizens and Legislative Committee on Children. Additionally, Dr. Phillips is part of the Children’s Justice Act Taskforce Work Group to help develop a statewide protocol for the investigation, prosecution, and treatment of child abuse.  

“I cannot think of a better leader and role model for women than Dr. Phillips,” says nominator Faith Muddiman, DCAC Director of Grants Management. “Dr. Phillips is passionate about bettering the lives of abuse and neglect victims, is an incredible business leader, and is deeply committed to the community as a whole. When I think of a strong leader and role model for women, I think of Dr. Kay W. Phillips.” 

Since its establishment in 1911, the Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce has been an integral part of the growth of Summerville and the surrounding areas. Our mission is to protect and promote the quality of life in the community, with specific emphasis on improving economic vitality and providing a favorable business climate. For more information, please visit www.greatersummerville.org or call (843) 873-2931.  

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