Director of Fundraising & Marketing

Haley Gates serves as the Director of Fundraising and Marketing for the Darlington County Humane Society, where she leads the creative vision, community engagement, and donor outreach that support the shelter’s lifesaving work. She oversees major fundraising events, adoption campaigns, sponsorship development, and all marketing efforts, ensuring the heart of the shelter is reflected in every story shared and every initiative launched.

Haley’s passion for animal welfare shines through her work. She is dedicated to creating meaningful connections, whether that’s inspiring donors, collaborating with local businesses, or crafting campaigns that help animals find loving homes. Her attention to detail, creativity, and strong community partnerships have strengthened the shelter’s impact throughout Darlington County and beyond.

When she’s not at the shelter, Haley enjoys spending time with her family and her dogs, tending to her flower garden and finding new ways to bring joy and connection to her community.

Shelter Manager

As Shelter Manager at the Darlington County Humane Society, I oversee daily operations to ensure a safe, compassionate, and efficient environment for both our animals and staff. My role includes coordinating hiring and onboarding, maintaining clear communication across teams, managing documentation and incident reports, and organizing staff appreciation efforts to help foster a positive workplace culture. I also support volunteer engagement and help ensure our shelter remains a welcoming, organized space that reflects our commitment to animal welfare and community service.

I’ve always loved working with animals, and I’m grateful to be part of a mission that makes such a meaningful impact. When I’m not at the shelter, you can usually find me outdoors or spending quality time with my family.

Manager of Medical Services

Kathy Rock is our Manager of Medical Services and has been an essential part of our team for over a year. With more than three decades of experience in the health industry, first caring for people and later transitioning into animal care. Kathy brings an unmatched level of skill, compassion, and dedication to her work. Her kindness shines through in everything she does, from daily medical treatments to comforting the animals who need it most.

On her days off, you can usually find her spending time with friends and family or at home with her own personal menagerie. Kathy’s deep love for animals, and her unwavering hope that each one will find a better life, is what inspires her every single day.

Bridge Manager

Katie is our Bridge Manager and has been an essential part of our Bridge Facility for the past three years. In her role, she helps ensure the safe care, coordination, and movement of animals as they transition through our rescue and transfer programs. Katie brings consistency, patience, and heart to a role that requires both organization and deep compassion, and she approaches each day with the animals’ best interests at the center of everything she does.

Her love for animals runs deep, and it shows in the way she cares for every pet that comes through the Bridge Facility. Whether she’s coordinating transports, monitoring animal well-being, or lending a calming presence during stressful transitions, Katie treats every animal as if it were her own.

Outside of work, Katie is a proud mom to two sons and a devoted grandmother to her grandbaby. Family means everything to her, and that same sense of care and responsibility carries over into the work she does for our animals every day. We are incredibly grateful for Katie’s dedication, experience, and the compassion she brings to our team.

Adoption, Rescue & Foster Coordinator

At DCHS, I handle adoption inquiries, guide meet-and-greets, and make sure every foster or adopter has everything they need to welcome a new pet into their home. My favorite part of this job is helping families find the perfect match and watching our animals head out the door to their new lives.

I also love spending one-on-one time with our shelter pets, whether that’s taking my favorites out for a lunchtime walk or a quick game of tug-of-war.

When I’m not at the shelter, you can usually find me hiking with my DCHS alum, Squishy, or curled up at home watching TV with my cats.

Office Assistant

My name is Jayson Hicks, and I’m a proud Hartsville native. As the Office Assistant at DCHS, I serve as the first point of contact for community members looking to support the animals in our care. From scheduling appointments to maintaining detailed records, I manage the files for every animal who comes through our shelter.

Aside from sneaking treats to the cats and dogs during my shift, my favorite part of the job is seeing pets leave happier than when they arrived.

At home, I have quite the crew myself, three dogs, three cats, and a whole flock of chickens and ducks. In my free time, I love reading, thrifting, and trying new restaurants around the area.

Business Office Clerk

Alex serves as the Business Office Clerk at the Darlington County Humane Society, where her attention to detail and strong organizational skills help keep daily operations running smoothly. From managing paperwork to supporting staff behind the scenes, she plays an essential role in ensuring the shelter runs efficiently and the animals receive the care they deserve.

A devoted pet mom to one dog and two cats, Alex brings her love for animals into her work every day. Outside the shelter, she enjoys spending quality time with her daughter, who is her greatest joy. Alex’s compassion, reliability, and dedication make her a valued member of the DCHS team.

Vet Tech

Taylor has been a valued member of our team for three and a half years and brings genuine care and enthusiasm to everything she does. She loves working hands-on with both dogs and cats and is passionate about making sure each animal feels safe, loved, and well cared for during their time with us. Her calm presence and attention to detail make her a trusted and dependable part of our daily operations.

Taylor’s love for animals extends beyond work — she has three cats of her own and understands firsthand the joy and responsibility that comes with caring for pets. That personal connection shows in the compassion she brings to every animal she works with.

Outside of the shelter, Taylor enjoys thrifting and collecting unique vintage finds, always appreciating pieces with character and history. She also has a deep love for music and enjoys collecting vinyl records in her free time. Her creativity, dedication, and heart for animals make her an important part of our team, and we’re grateful for the care she brings to our mission every day.