LANCASTER, S.C. — Counseling Services Executive Director Donna Herchek has retired from her position there after 38 years with the agency, and a new leader has been named.
“Looking back, I hope to have instilled hope, shown care for others, left a positive influence and encouraged others to go forward,” Herchek said.
While a student at Buford High School, Herchek was her senior class president, part of Future Teachers of America, the yearbook committee, softball and church.
Herchek attended the University of South Carolina Lancaster and Winthrop University, then moved to USC Columbia to earn her undergraduate degree in psychology.
Herchek began working at Counseling Services in 1986 after someone she knew told her about an open position. Her first position was in pretrial intervention.
After a year, Herchek moved to the school intervention program — a state-funded program created to help students with behavioral issues or substance use.
Herchek later decided to pursue a master’s degree and an educational specialist degree.
“I realized most of the counselors had a master’s degree,” Herchek said. “I started thinking that I’d like to go back one day.”
Herchek became Counseling Service’ assistant director in 1990 and executive director in 2018, replacing Wally Quinn.
“I was working with a lot of the community needs, resources and organizations,” Herchek said.
Through her work, Donna made a true connection with Kathy Lloyd, her coworker for more than 35 years.
“She was just a wonderful person,” Lloyd said. “You wanted to live up to her expectations. I really, really enjoyed working with her. I’m glad for my time at the office.”
One of Herchck’s accomplishments during her career is the Coalition for Healthy Youth.
Herchek was one of the organization’s creators, along with Paul McKenzie, who worked to create a nationwide conference in Lancaster for substance use prevention in schools.
“When people showed up, I just remember the look of pride on her face,” McKenzie said.
During the first conference, Herchek welcomed representatives from 17 states.
“She’s not the only one, but she was really one of the key people that made that happen,” McKenzie said.
As for her retirement, Herchek has plans.
“I’m looking forward to some hobbies and things I’ve put off,” she said.
Herchek said she’ll now be able to go to her grandkid’s games without rushing from work.
Heirs new director
Counseling Services assistant director Ashley Heirs has become the new executive director.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to be the new executive director,” Heirs said. “I’m humbled and honored to be in this position. I have big shoes to fill. Donna has done so much for the agency, for the community and for our staff. I’m just grateful for the opportunity to follow in her footsteps.”
While Herchek is not fully stepping away from Counseling Services, a party Feb. 6 honored her legacy and the impact her career had on the people Counseling Services helped and the agency’s staff.
“I am honored and blessed to have worked with so many caring and compassionate people,” Herchek said. “I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had, the relationships made, the leadership I’ve received and the memories made.”
