By Mayor Bill Young, Walterboro, Municipal Association of SC President
A Greek philosopher once said "The only thing that is constant is change," and that has certainly been true for the Municipal Association over its 87-year history. We have successfully adapted to change while maintaining a stable foundation for our membership.
Miriam Hair, Executive Director, Municipal Association of South Carolina
A big change ahead of us in the coming months is the retirement of our executive director, Miriam Hair.
Miriam announced in June that she will retire on December 31, 2017, after 32 years with the Association. She came to the executive director position in 2008 after serving as deputy executive director for 10 years. During her career with the Association, Miriam led development of most of the association's long-standing and successful programs such as the Municipal Elected Officials Institute, 12 affiliate organizations and the collection programs.
We all know Miriam as someone who has passionately given of her time and talents to make this Association a leader on many fronts. We will miss her leadership.
Our Association is unique is so many ways. We have always embraced change and risen to the occasion when change occurs. But we are also committed to maintaining a stable organization that can withstand the challenges change brings. One aspect that speaks to our stability and strength is the fact that we have had only five executive directors in our 87-year history.
Our intention for the Association's sixth executive director is to continue on the path of seeking out opportunities that will make our cities and towns stronger. Our search for the next executive director is already underway. I have appointed a search committee to work with the board of directors that will select the best possible candidate for the job.
I look forward to seeing you at the Association's Annual Meeting in Hilton Head Island in July and hearing any suggestions you may have as we work through this process.