Inspiring stories from right here in Florence. People, hope, and resilience – discover what makes our community special.
"Every week, we shine a light on the stories that matter most to our Florence community – stories of hope, resilience, and the incredible people who make this place special."
Welcome to our Weekly Feature series – a space dedicated to the stories that define our community.
Every Monday, we'll share a new story highlighting the people, businesses, and moments that make Florence special. From tales of overcoming adversity to celebrate local heroes, there's always something inspiring to discover.
This week's feature: "A Career of Changing Lives: Mamie Legette Retires" – After 29 years of dedicated service to workforce development in Florence and the Pee Dee region, Mamie Legette is retiring from SC Works Pee Dee.
A celebration of dedication, leadership, and community impact
Longtime Workforce Leader Helped Strengthen Florence, SC and the Pee Dee Region
After nearly three decades of dedicated public service, Mamie Legette is retiring from her role with the Pee Dee Regional Council of Governments, closing a 29-year career that helped strengthen workforce development across Florence, SC and the Pee Dee region.
"I have been reflecting lately, and when I look back, what I am most proud of are the lives that have been transformed because someone believed in them and they were given a fair chance. I have watched people walk in uncertain and discouraged and leave with direction, skills, and renewed confidence."
"I have seen parents create stability for their families, individuals rebuild after setbacks, and people discover they were capable of more than they imagined. The moments that stay with me most are the calls that say, 'I got the job.' Those moments do not just change one life. They change families."
— Mamie LegetteMamie began her workforce development career in Dillon County, where she served for more than fourteen years as a Business Services Representative at the Dillon County One Stop Workforce Center. In that role she worked closely with both employers and jobseekers, helping businesses find qualified employees while assisting individuals in gaining the skills and direction needed to move forward in their careers.
In 2011, Mamie moved into a regional leadership role as Workforce System Coordinator with the Pee Dee Regional Council of Governments. In this position she supported the SC Works Pee Dee workforce system, which serves Florence, Dillon, Darlington, Marion, Marlboro, and Chesterfield counties.
During her time as Workforce System Coordinator, Mamie regularly reviewed workforce center processes to identify ways to improve efficiency and remove barriers for both employers and jobseekers. She also helped guide the implementation of the South Carolina Works Certification System.
"She has the heart of a servant and really does not like to have a big deal made about doing what she believes she has been assigned to do."
— A workforce partnerThroughout her career she built relationships with social service agencies, educational institutions, community organizations, and faith-based groups across the region.
Mamie's work has also been recognized beyond the workforce system itself. She was honored as an Exceptional Business Volunteer at the Dillon Long Term Recovery Group's Annual Disaster Business Dinner and Awards Gala.
The Pee Dee Regional Council of Governments (COG) is a Florence-based agency assisting local governments in Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Marion, and Marlboro counties with planning, economic development, and technical services. Governed by a 27-member board, it focuses on infrastructure, transportation, and workforce development through SC Works centers.
As she enters this new chapter, we thank Mamie for her decades of service and wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement.
From all of us at HelloFlorenceSC, thank you for 29 years of changing lives in Florence and the Pee Dee region. Your dedication to workforce development has made a lasting impact on countless families and our entire community. We wish you a joyful and well-deserved retirement!
After twenty-nine years of service, Mamie Legette leaves behind a record of steady leadership and meaningful contributions to workforce development throughout Florence and the Pee Dee region. Her work has helped individuals find jobs, families build stability, and businesses grow with the support of a stronger workforce system.
Thank you, Mamie, for 29 years of changing lives in Florence and the Pee Dee region.
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