Lowcountry Autism Foundation director appointed to S.C. early intervention council

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WTOC) - Gov. Henry McMaster has appointed Sophia Fakoury Townes, president and executive director of the Lowcountry Autism Foundation, to the South Carolina Interagency Coordinating Council.

Townes will fill a parent representative seat on the council, with a term running through February 2028. The council advises and assists South Carolina’s early intervention system, connecting parents, providers, and state agencies to support infants and toddlers with disabilities and developmental delays.

Townes, a former educator and mother of two sons with special needs, joined the foundation after her eldest son was diagnosed with autism. She served in advisory and volunteer coordinator roles before becoming executive director in June 2024. The organization serves more than 5,000 families across the Lowcountry.

“The autism community benefits when families have a seat at the table,” Townes said, noting she looks forward to advocating for expanded resources and family support statewide.