Darnell Byrd-McPherson

Darnell Byrd-McPherson was born in the Cypress Community of Lee County.   Mrs. Byrd-McPherson is the daughter of the late Doris L. Byrd, former Lamar Councilwoman, and Lawton R. Byrd.  In 1954, her parents moved to the town of Lamar.

She attended Spaulding Elementary School and graduated from Boylan Haven Mather Academy of Camden in 1965.  Mrs. Byrd-McPherson earned her Business Administration degree from Southern Wesleyan University.  She has also studied at Claflin College, Bowie State University, University of California at Los Angeles (John Anderson School of Business) and the University of South Carolina.  In 1989, Mrs. Byrd-McPherson was licensed to practice social work by the state of South Carolina, a license she still maintains.

Currently, Mrs. Byrd-McPherson serves as the Executive Director of Darlington County First Steps, a position she has held since 2008.  Under her leadership, she has made a tremendous difference in the lives of young families of Darlington County by expanding the scope of services and number of families served by DCFS and by securing funding from partners such as United Way of Hartsville, Eastern Carolina Community Foundation, the Byerly Foundation, Bi-Lo Charities, the South Carolina Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, Duke Energy Foundation, Hootie and the Blowfish Foundation, Children’s Trust Fund of South Carolina, The Duke Endowment, and United Way of South Carolina.

Elected in November 2017, Mrs. Byrd-McPherson will serve a 4-year term through 2021.  Mrs. Byrd-McPherson’s vision is to ensure Lamar is a welcoming, caring community where children are first, the elderly are respected, and the community is known as a great place to live, work and play!  “We can all achieve this as we work together for the common good!”

Devoted to supporting an excellent quality of life for all residents of Lamar, her vision for economic growth first starts with community engagement.  This is possible through careful planning, collaboration with others, including other municipalities, civic and religious organizations, graduates of Lamar schools and others interested in long-term economic development, improved infrastructure, affordable housing and a transportation system.   Stay tuned and join with us in achieving our goals and realizing our vision!

Mrs. Byrd-McPherson currently resides in Lamar, SC with her husband, Joseph L. McPherson of North Charleston.  She is the proud mother of three adult children who graduated from Lamar High School – Joel Everette, Hope Leyan and Amani.  Mrs. Byrd-McPherson looks forward to working with ALL the people of Lamar and growing the little town with big vision!  You may reach out to her via email, telephone or stopping by Town Hall on her office days.