Connecting the dots from a social work major to a long career in Information Technology may seem difficult at first glance, but it's not really. After 14 years as a social work supervisor, Kim Clifton found herself unpacking the box of a new computer, having never seen one before. In the early '90s, she returned to school to learn how to use the contraption, first taking classes in dBase III+, WordPerfect and PageMaker. She was so hooked, it started her down a totally new career path.
A purely chance meeting with Dr. Franklin W. Maddux, III, the developer of Gamewood Data Systems, resulted in Kim becoming somewhat of a protégé of Maddux. He personally taught her how to create web pages using HTML. This was during the time that the World Wide Web was so new that there were only a handful of reference books. Kim would continue to work part-time for Gamewood over several decades as both the company’s webmaster and part-time trainer.
After graduating from the inaugural class of Leadership Southside, Kim became very involved in community service and caught the attention of the late Laurie Moran, President of the then Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce. Kim was offered a position by Moran as its Marketing and Membership Director. The position included not only a close relationship with the Pittsylvania County Schools, but also the duties of desktop publishing and web site design. During this time, Kim continued to work in the evenings as a typesetter for a local printing company.
While at the Chamber, Kim met Mr. Rickey Parker, former Assistant Supervisor for Information Technology, when she was contracted by Danville Community College to teach desktop publishing for PCS teachers. When the position of Technology Trainer/Webmaster was created, she contacted Mr. Parker for an interview.
For over 20 years Kim worked full-time for PCS and part-time for both DCC and Gamewood. She also was a monthly columnist for EVINCE magazine from 1996 to 2019. She’s been member and webmaster for both The Wednesday Club and the Alpha Gamma Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority.
She has been married to her high school sweetheart, Robert, for 41 years. Together they have been fortunate to travel throughout the United States and to several foreign countries. The Cliftons are members of First Presbyterian Church of Danville where Kim volunteers for children’s ministries.
After 39 years in VRS occupations, Kim has decided to slow down. She looks forward to a quiet retirement celebration with Tea-for-Two at the O. Henry Tea Room with her sister, who is also her best friend.
Kim thanks everyone who has made her career, not only possible, but so enjoyable. As hard as it is to say goodbye, she is thankful she can stay in touch through ERIP.
And...Pittsylvania County Schools is thankful for the dedicated service Kim gave each and every day (even in the middle of the night and on vacation) to PCS. She has truly left a lasting mark on our school division. Thank you doesn't seem like enough, but THANK YOU Kim for giving your heart to Pittsylvania County Schools - you will always have a special place in the heart of each and every one of us."
-- Emily S. Reynolds
Director of Information Technology