Polk County chose Lou Parton, the program manager for the county’s department of social services (DSS), to be the new director of the department.

Parton will replace former director Sue Rhodes, who had worked at Polk DSS for 33 years.

Parton has worked with Polk County DSS for 24 years.

Polk County DSS board chair Francis Parker announced Parton’s hiring as director. The DSS board interviews and hires the director, while the county board of commissioners sets the salary. Commissioners agreed on a salary for Parton of $71,221 at a grade 31 step 17.

Parker said after advertising the position throughout the state, the board interviewed qualified candidates and voted to hire Parton. Prior to working with Polk County DSS, Parton worked for five years with other agencies and other years with churches, Parker said.

“I appreciate the opportunity to continue serving Polk County,” Parton said.

Parton will be the first director at Polk’s new DSS building, which is scheduled to open next month.