Nina Staggers Named Assistant Executive Director of Workforce Development

S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce Celebrates its Newest Executive Staff Member

Columbia, S.C. – The S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) is pleased to announce that Nina Staggers has been appointed as our new Assistant Executive Director of Workforce Development. Nina previously served as the Deputy Assistant Executive Director of Workforce Development at the agency since February 2021 and has worked at DEW for over seven years. During her tenure here, Nina was also a Project Coordinator, Director of Grants Management, and Director of Special Initiatives within the Workforce Development Division.

“Nina is a great example of an employee that works their way up through an agency by demonstrating exceptional talent, leadership qualities, and a strong commitment to the job,” said S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce Executive Director Dan Ellzey. “It comes as no surprise that she was the best candidate for the position as she has been an excellent public servant in every role that she has held here. Her strong record of developing workforce partnerships and monitoring both large and small-scale projects speak to her professionalism. I look forward to this new chapter of successes that she will bring as part of our executive team.”

Nina Staggers officially accepted the position last week. She has been serving as the Interim Assistant Executive Director of Workforce Development since late September. As the Assistant Executive Director of Workforce Development, Nina is responsible for the direction and administrative oversight of federal workforce programs. This position also develops funded initiatives to address barriers that prohibit individuals from obtaining employment in high-growth, high-demand occupations.

With a Bachelor’s Degree from Clemson University and a Juris Doctorate from Widener University, she has spent the last eleven years of her career working in higher education and workforce development.

"I'm excited to transition into this new role at the agency,” said Nina Staggers, Assistant Executive Director of Workforce Development. “DEW has been my home for the past seven years and I am incredibly grateful for the wonderful people I get to work with. From the Workforce Development team to support staff, everyone at our agency is passionate about assisting South Carolinians in finding work, gaining financial independence, strengthening local businesses, and improving communities through our workforce efforts. I am honored to lead this team that I am so proud of. I look forward to the next seven years and the strides we will make together in developing workforce programs across the state."