Municipal Association announces new executive director

The board of the Municipal Association of South Carolina has selected Wayne George to be the sixth executive director of the organization. George is the former mayor of Mullins where he also served on council and was the Municipal Association board president in 1996. He was on the staff of the Municipal Association for six years and later served in the S.C. House of Representatives for two terms.

“I am extremely excited by the opportunity to lead the Municipal Association of SC. It is humbling to be selected by the board of directors. The Association has such a great reputation providing excellent education, advocacy and programs for its members,” said George. “In cities and towns, you will find some of the strongest leaders. Municipal workers and elected officials are the backbone of our communities, and we look forward to working with them to improve the quality of life for all citizens of our state. In addition, you can expect us to build and grow our partnership with state and national elected officials.”

The Municipal Association represents the state’s 271 cities and towns by providing training, advocacy at the state and federal levels, and programs that give local officials the tools they need to provide quality services.

In June, then-Board President Bill Young, mayor of Walterboro, appointed a search committee consisting of the board’s executive committee, including Cayce Mayor Elise Partin, Florence Councilmember Octavia Williams-Blake, Mauldin Mayor Dennis Raines and Isle of Palms Mayor Dick Cronin; two past board presidents, Anderson Mayor Terence Roberts and Sumter Mayor Joe McElveen; and Orangeburg City Administrator John Yow, who serves on the Association’s board.

“Wayne’s background in local government, experience at the State House, organizational experience as a successful business owner and years of involvement with the Municipal Association on staff and on the board made him the ideal candidate for executive director,” said Partin. “His dedication to the strength of local government, which increases the strength of our state, will continue the positive difference the Association makes.” 

Miriam Hair, the Association’s current executive director, plans to retire at the end of 2017 with more than 32 years with the organization, the last nine as executive director.

“The search committee was fortunate to have a pool of very qualified candidates. It was important that the Association continue the established tradition of strong leadership in the executive director’s position,” said Yow. “Wayne George’s vast experience, proven track record and leadership skills will mesh well with the talented staff at the Association.”

George begins his new role on January 2.