I am the new Community Development Director for the City of Mauldin, and I’ve been in this position since July 2022. My family and I moved to Greenville County in November 2021, so we are still learning our way around the area.
I grew up in south Georgia in the little town of Douglas, GA. After graduating high school and earning my bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia, I started my career in economic development in my hometown’s chamber of commerce. I continued in my career growth as the executive director of two economic development authorities, two county government department head positions, and as a vice president in a metro-Atlanta chamber of commerce. In November 2021, my family and I decided to move to Greenville County, SC, and I started my new role as the Director of Community Development for the City of Mauldin in July 2022.
My wife Melissa is from Newberry, SC, which influenced our decision to be closer to family as we raise our two young children. We like traveling and taking our kids to regional festivals. My wife and I attend Advent United Methodist Church where I play electric guitar in the contemporary praise/worship band.
Q: Tell us about yourself, including a little bit about where you grew up, your education, your family, interests, passions, and career?
I was born in Atlanta, but my family moved to 5 different states by the time I was 10 years old when we moved to Douglas, GA. I’m a graduate of the University of Georgia, and after graduating, I began a career in economic development I have worked as either a county government department head or executive director of an economic development authority over the course of my 13-year career. My wife Melissa is from Newberry, SC, and we have 2 children. We are avid college football fans, love to travel and take our kids to regional festivals, and we regularly attend Advent United Methodist Church.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in The Golden Strip?
1 year
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I can recite all the names of the US presidents in chronological order.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in The Golden Strip?
I have not been in the area long enough to meet many people, but I am eager to meet, speak, and eat with local celebrities.
Q: What current / former local business makes you the most nostalgic about The Golden Strip?
Although I have not been here long enough to appreciate some of the local businesses in terms of nostalgia, I would say that Kellet’s Corner reminds me of a diner in my hometown called Bobby’s Treat Shop.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about The Golden Strip?
I love the small-town festivals in Fountain Inn, Simpsonville, and Mauldin. Given that I oversee Mauldin’s Cultural Affairs division, I am biased to our BBQ Cook Off, Beachin’ Fridays concert series, and PBJ Festival… but my wife and I had our first date at Simpsonville’s Heritage Park/Amphitheater, so it holds a special place in my heart.
Q: With so much growth in our area, there are always new places popping up. Tell us about the a “new to you” place that you recently tried.
Everything is new to me right now, but I recently tried the Sully Steamers that opened in Mauldin, and it’s my go-to hot sandwich place… and it’s very convenient since it’s right beside city hall!
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME or NEIGHBOR?
Willing to lend a helping hand; Courteous in all interactions; Caring in well-being
Q: If you had friends or family visiting you from out of town, what is the one place that you must take them to?
Once Bridgeway Station comes online, I would take friends/family there so we could walk through the new development and walk over the Pedestrian Bridge that will span I-385.
Q: If you had a free day with no plans, what would you do? Or where can we find you on the weekends?
My family and I like to work in our yard. We own 1.5 acres and have lots of planter boxes, fruit-bearing bushes, and annual flowering plants. We also like to watch college football, and we try to attend at least one UGA and Clemson game per year.
Q: If you were cast into a major motion picture and had your choice of anyone to be your co-star, who would you choose?
Jeff Bridges or Anne Hathaway
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Visit all Major League Baseball stadiums
Q: What advice would you give to a crowd of people?
Two things hold a person back from their full potential: Fear and Unforgiveness. In reality, they are the same thing… Fear traps the mind by saying, “You’ll never succeed.” Unforgiveness does the same thing by saying, “You don’t deserve to succeed.” Fundamentally, Fear and Unforgiveness are both lies that we tell ourselves, and as a result, we miss out on the adventures, challenges, and impacts that result in a fulfilling life.
Q: Who would you like to see nominated for this project, The Faces of The Golden Strip?
Christine Faust, new manager of the Mauldin Cultural Center.
