Thursday, April 14, 2022

The Municipal Association’s Field Services Team Has Expanded

City and town officials across the state are familiar with the Municipal Association’s field services managers, who travel to all of the state’s municipalities to help address issues of local concern and facilitate communication with members. Now, in addition to Jeff Shacker and Charlie Barrineau, the Association has added a third staff member to this team: Ashley Kellahan, who joined in February. 

Most recently, Kellahan served as the town administrator for the Town of James Island. Previously, she worked as a senior budget analysist for the City of Charleston and as the assistant city manager for the City of Abbeville. She holds a master of public administration from the College of Charleston. 

“I’ve always loved how the Municipal Association is a facilitator of great ideas between local governments, and I’m honored to be a more direct part of that process,” Kellahan said. “I’m excited to share what I’ve learned with others, but more importantly learn from what other cities and towns are doing and help shine a light on their successes.” 

The team of field services managers is available to South Carolina’s cities and towns as a resource for when local officials identify significant questions or challenges. The also provide hands-on technical assistance. The field services managers regularly attend city and town council meetings and conduct informational sessions and goal-setting workshops.


Charlie Barrineau led a recent planning meeting with the Darlington City Council. 

Jeff Shacker explains the forms of municipal government during a newly elected mayor training. 

Ashley Kellahan presented the Municipal Elected Officials Institute of Government 2022 Honor Roll plaque to the Beaufort City Council on April 13. 

In the past, the field services managers have divided their working territory very roughly between the Upstate and the Lowcountry. The Association will now divide the coverage areas into three parts, with the full transition occurring during the coming months. 

Here is the contact information for the three field services managers: