Mary Brantner, Communications Manager
With the Association since 1988, Mary manages communications projects for the Association including the Association's website. Mary also writes newsletters, brochures and other publications to communicate the goals and mission of the Association, as well as its affiliates. She is a journalism-public relations graduate of the University of South Carolina. She worked briefly as a downtown development manager in Denmark, SC, prior to joining the Association staff.
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Melissa Brown, Junior Staff Associate for Collections
Melissa joined the Association in 1994 and worked as an administrative assistant. Melissa was promoted to junior staff associate for collection programs in January 2007 to manage the Brokers Tax Collection Program. She also manages the Setoff Debt Collection Program and assists with the Insurance Tax Collection Program and the Telecommunications Tax Collection Program. Melissa is a graduate of the Strayer University with a bachelor's degree in business administration. |
Virginia Butler, Business Systems Analyst
With 13 years experience in information technology, Virginia joined the Association in June, 2006. Virginia is responsible for recommending, implementing and overseeing the use and maintenance of systems that improve the association’s operations and delivery of services to member cities. Virginia holds a bachelor’s degree from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is a certified Project Management Professional with the Project Management Institute. She achieved the designation of Certified Government Chief Information Officer in 2009 through the SC Local Government Information Technology Education and Certification Program. |
Melissa Carter, Research and Legislative Liaison
Melissa joined the Association's communications and advocacy department in 2007 and provides research and technical assistance to the lobbying efforts and to municipalities. Melissa attended Mary Baldwin College, earned a bachelor's degree in history and a master's in business administration from USC. She has more than 16 years of state government experience with the Budget and Control Board. |
Phil Cromer, Risk and Safety Services Consultant
As a Risk and Safety Services Consultant, Phil provides risk management and safety technical assistance to members of the SC Municipal Insurance Trust and the SC Municipal Insurance and Risk Financing Fund, two of the Association's insurance programs. He joined the staff in 1990 having served as the town manager of Port Royal and town administrator of Ridgeland. Phil has a bachelor's degree in history from the University of South Carolina and a master's in public administration from the University of South Carolina and College of Charleston. He has also received an associate degree in risk management for public entities. |
Thomas D'Agostino, Accounts Receivable Coordinator
Before joining the Association in 2002, Thomas worked with the Continuing Legal Education Division of the S.C. Bar in data entry, invoice production and meeting reporting. He provides accounts receivable and other administrative support to the Finance department. |
Krystal Dailey, Information Technology Manager
Krystal joined the Association in December 2000. She manages all technology operations for the Association which includes planning, implementing, and maintaining all voice, data and network computer systems. She also provides technical assistance to the Association staff. Krystal has an associate degree in computer technology with a major in telecommunications systems management from Midlands Technical College. She achieved the designation of Certified Government Chief Information Officer in 2009 through the SC Local Government Information Technology Education and Certification Program. Previously, she worked with the SC Vocational Rehabilitation Department and Richland County School District One.
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Casey Fields, Manager for Municipal Advocacy
Casey joined the Association in October 2006. She is responsible for the Association’s grassroots strategy for legislative issues and is the organization’s primary contact with the news media. Previously, she was the legislative liaison at South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness and advocacy and public awareness coordinator at the SC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. Casey is a graduate of the College of Charleston and holds a master’s degree from the University of South Carolina in social work and public administration. |
Urica Floyd, Staff Associate for Distance Learning
Urica joined the Municipal Association in 2011 and is responsible for the education and training programs for elected officials. She came to the Association from South Carolina ETV, where she worked for nine years as a multimedia producer and web project leader. Urica earned a bachelor’s of fine arts from Clemson University and a master’s of media arts from the University of South Carolina. |
Holland Folsom, Senior Adjuster - SCMIRF
Holland joined the Municipal Association in 2010 as a senior adjuster. He worked on the SC Municipal Insurance and Risk Financing Fund's account from 2005 to 2009 as an adjuster with Companion Third Party Administrators. He has 39 years experience as a licensed adjuster and appraiser. He is a graduate of Pfeiffer College and holds the Associate in Claims designation. Holland is also the president of the South Carolina Claims Association. |
Susan Gainey, Junior Staff Associate for Collections
Susan joined the Association in 2004 as an intern for the Finance department. In October, 2007, she was hired as junior staff associate for collection programs. Currently she manages the Telecommunications Tax Collection Program. She also assists with the Brokers Tax Collection Program, the Insurance Tax Collection Program and the Setoff Debt Collection Program. Susan is a graduate of the University of South Carolina with a bachelor's degree in English and a minor in public relations. |
Amy Gillian, Administrative Assistant
Amy joined the Association in October, 2011. She previously worked with Capital City Holding Company, Inc. and Davis-Garvin Agencies for 20 years as an administrative assistant. At the Municipal Association, she provides administrative support to the Communications area. |
Joy Gloster, Member Services Specialist
Joy joined the Association in May 2008. She is a University of South Carolina graduate with a bachelor’s degree in finance and insurance and risk management and a minor in criminal justice. She also received an associate’s degree in risk management for public entities from the Insurance Institute of America. In 2012, she received a master’s in business administration from the University of South Carolina. Joy provides technical support for the use and maintenance of risk management systems that build efficiencies for staff and aid in the delivery of information to member cities. She also serves as the coordinator for training initiatives of the SC Municipal Insurance Trust and the SC Municipal Insurance and Risk Financing Fund. |
Gail Hampton, Collection Programs Manager
Gail has been with the Association since 1985. She previously worked for the South Carolina Downtown Development Association (before it affiliated with the Association.) From 1985 to 1995, she provided administrative support to the Association. She currently manages the Insurance Tax Collection Program, the Telecommunications Tax Collection Program, the Setoff Debt Program and the Brokers Tax Collection Program. |
Warren Harley, Governmental Affairs Liaison
Warren joined the Municipal Association of South Carolina in November 2006 after eight years with the City of Orangeburg, SC, where he served as the assistant city administrator. Warren is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and Webster University. Warren assists member cities by providing them guidance and direction on complex issues associated with managing their operations. He is also responsible for lobbying activities representing the interest of South Carolina cities and towns before the General Assembly. In Orangeburg, Warren assisted with the overall management of city operations as well as managing the City’s Community Planning and Development Department. He directed the planning and zoning functions. Warren also managed the grant administration activities helping to provide revenue for community development efforts. |
Hayes Holland, Accountant for Risk Management Services
Hayes joined the Association in May 2013. He is primarily involved in the accounting and financial reporting for the Association’s risk management programs. Hayes has prior accounting experience in the commercial property and casualty insurance industry. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of West Florida and is currently pursuing his CPA certification. |
Julie Hollaway, Underwriting Specialist
Julie joined the Association in 2007. She is licensed in property and casualty insurance and is an underwriter for both the SCMIRF and SCMIT programs. Julie brings 10 years of experience as a paralegal and executive administrative assistant from the Finkel Law Firm. She also worked at the SC School Boards Association with the Workers' Compensation and Property and Casualty programs as well as with financial management and policy. Julie graduated from Spartanburg Methodist College with an associate degree in interpreting for the deaf. |
Ken Ivey, Conference Manager
Having worked 11 years in the hospitality industry, Ken joined the Association in 2005. Ken brings a strong background in the food and beverage industry to the Association as well as experience working with meeting planners from around the country as both a catering manager and director of sales. Most recently, he worked for the Hilton in Greenville, SC, as its sales manager. He grew up in Marion, SC, and graduated from Francis Marion University with a Bachelor of Arts in theatre. |
Myan Jencks, Administrative Assistant
Myan joined the Association in February 2008. Myan has 15 years administrative experience with various companies. She provides administrative support to the Brokers Tax Collection Program, Insurance Tax Collection Program, Setoff Debt Collection Program and Telecommunications Tax Collection Program.
Contact Myan through email at mjencks@masc.sc or by phone at 803.933.1229.
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Meredith Kaiser, Risk and Safety Services Consultant
Meredith joined the Association in February 2009. She is a licensed life and health insurance agent with more than ten years experience in the insurance field. Meredith is a graduate of the College of Charleston and holds a bachelor’s degree in biology. At the Association, Meredith provides risk management and technical assistance to the SCMIT and SCMIRF members. She has received an associate degree in risk management for public entities.
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Brenda Kyzer, Assistant Manager for Collection Programs
Brenda is the assistant manager for the Collections Department. Previously, she worked for the City of Columbia’s Business Licensing Department for 21 years, holding the positions of business license administrator, supervisor, auditor and inspector. She previously worked for the Municipal Association from 2000 – 2007 in the Collections Department. Brenda is a past president of the SC Business Licensing Officials Association and served on the ABL/MBL accreditation program review committee. |
Beppie LeGrand, Main Street SC Manager
Beppie joined the Association in 1995. She provides community development and downtown revitalization technical assistance for Main Street South Carolina. Before joining the staff, she worked with the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism for 11 years where she served as the investment development coordinator and a project developer. She served on a five-person team established to support the South Carolina Heritage Corridor. Beppie has a bachelor's degree in history with an emphasis on southern studies from the University of South Carolina. She currently serves as chair of the National Main Street Coordinators Executive Committee and sits on the board of directors for National Main Street Center, Inc., a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. |
Amy Lindler, Member Services Manager
Amy began working at the Association in 2002. She is responsible for implementing and overseeing risk management systems, web based member portals and other initiatives that aid in the delivery of information to members. In addition, Amy provides technical assistance and authors the RMS quarterly newsletter, Riskletter. A graduate of the University of South Carolina with a double major in marketing and entrepreneurial management, Amy received an associate degree in risk management for public entities from the Insurance Institute of America and her master's in public administration from the University of South Carolina.
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Barbara Little, Administrative Assistant
Barbara began working at the Association in 1984. She provides administrative support for the Risk Management Services area. Barbara has an associate degree in applied science - secretarial science from Williamsport Area Community College. |
Cindy Martellini, Claims Manager
Before joining the Association in 2007, Cindy spent seven years working for Sedgwick and Companion as both a claims adjuster and a claims supervisor on the SC Municipal Insurance and Risk Financing Fund. As claims manager, Cindy oversees both the SC Municipal Insurance and Risk Financing Fund and the SC Municipal Insurance Trust. She works as a liaison for the members. Cindy is a graduate of Clemson University with a bachelor’s degree in administrative management. She also earned a master’s degree in business administration from Strayer University in Washington, D.C. Cindy holds the Associate in Claims designation from the Insurance Institute of America and the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter designation from The American Institute for Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters. |
Connie Martin, Senior Adjuster - SCMIRF
Connie joined the Municipal Association in January 2010 as senior adjuster. Prior to that, she worked on the SC Municipal Insurance and Risk Financing Fund's account as a claims supervisor and adjuster with Companion Third Party Administrators. Connie has over 20 years experience as a multiline adjuster. She is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania and past president of the Columbia Claims Association. She obtained the Associate in Claims designation from the Insurance Institute of America. |
Shirley Miller, Financial Manager
Shirley joined the Association in 2002. She oversees the Solomon accounting system and supervises the accounts payable and receivable functions, financial report development and financial reporting, and accounting for the Association, SC Association of Municipal Power Systems and Gervais Street Associates. She is a CPA and has earned her master's in business administration as well as the Fellow Life Management Institute designation. Shirley previously worked with the Tidwell Agency, Inc., a multi-line independent insurance agency, as office manager. Prior to that position, she spent more than 10 years in accounting, financial reporting and project management for Colonial Life. |
Lynn Miller, Accounts Payable Coordinator
Lynn joined the Association in 2007. Lynn provides accounts payable, credit card programs and other administrative support to the Finance department. Lynn previously worked with Shealy Electrical Wholesalers. Prior to that position, she spent 12 years with Richtex/Hanson Brick. |
Lea Ann Mitchell, Administrative Assistant
Lea Ann joined the Association in August, 2008. She has 10 years of administrative experience with Capital City Holding Company, Inc. and Davis Garvin Agencies. She provides administrative support for SC Municipal Human Resource Association, SC Association of Stormwater Managers, SC Community Development Association, SC Municipal Attorneys Association, Municipal Court Administration Association of SC and Municipal Technology Association of SC.
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Fremont Nelson, Information Technology Support Specialist
Fremont joined the Association in March 2011, bringing 10 years of experience in information technology. He is responsible for providing end user information technology support for internal and external customers, analyzing data, creating queries and conducting quality assurance analysis. Before coming to the Association, Fremont spent six years in public television as a senior applications analyst at South Carolina ETV. He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from the University of South Carolina and a certificate in local area network technology from Midlands Technical College.
Contact Fremont through email at fnelson@masc.sc or by phone at 803.933.1236.
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Stephanie O'Cain, Chief Financial Officer
Stephanie joined the Association in 1999 and directs all finance and accounting functions of the Municipal Association and its affiliates, as well as Gervais Street Associates and Municipal Insurance Services. She is a CPA and earned bachelor's degrees in both accounting and business administration from Columbia College. Prior to joining the Association, she worked as an auditor and consultant for local accounting firms and was associated in such roles with the Association for approximately nine years. |
Leigh Polhill, Underwriting Manager
Joining the Association in 2008, Leigh is responsible for underwriting the SC Municipal Insurance and Risk Financing Fund and SC Municipal Insurance Trust Fund. A graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in risk management and insurance, Leigh has also received the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter designation from the Insurance Institute of America. Leigh has more than 20 years experience in the insurance industry including underwriting, marketing and management. |
Summer Randall, Operations Manager
Summer joined the Municipal Association in 2011 and is responsible for human resources and facility management for the Association. She came to the Association from South Carolina Bank and Trust, where she worked for three years in Human Resources. Summer earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the College of Charleston and holds a PHR certification.
Contact Summer through email at srandall@masc.sc or by phone at 803.933.1248.
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Heather Ricard, Director of Risk Management Services
Joining the Association in 2005, Heather directs the Association’s insurance programs, the SC Municipal Insurance Trust and the SC Municipal Insurance and Risk Financing Fund and the Association’s retiree health care program, the SC Other Retirement Benefits Employer Trust. Prior to becoming the director of risk management services, Heather served as the risk management chief financial officer for over five years. From 1996 to 2005, Heather worked for the City of Vacaville, CA. Heather serves on the board of directors of both the National League of Cities Mutual Insurance Company and also the SC Self Insurers Association. She is a CPA and graduate of the University of South Carolina. Heather also received her master’s in business administration from California State University. |
Jeff Shacker, Field Services Manager
Jeff joined the Association in April 2013 and provides technical and support services to the municipalities of the Appalachian, Catawba, Central Midlands and Upper Savannah Councils of Governments regions. Prior to that, he served as a Geographic Information Systems analyst and regional planner with the Upper Savannah Council of Governments and as an economic development coordinator, assistant city manager and, most recently, city manager with the City of Newberry. Jeff has a bachelor’s degree in geography and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of South Carolina.
Contact Jeff through email at jshacker@masc.sc or by phone at 803.354.4750.
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Neepa Shah, Financial Specialist
Neepa joined the Municipal Association in 2007 and is responsible for general accounting support for the Association's Risk Management programs: SC Local Government Assurance Group, SC Municipal Insurance Trust and SC Municipal Insurance and Risk Financing Fund. Neepa earned a bachelor's degree in government and political affairs with a concentration in economics from the University of Virginia. She came to the Association from Hogan and Hartson LLP, a law firm in Washington, D.C., where she worked for five years. |
Scott Slatton, Legislative and Public Policy Advocate
Scott’s role on the legislative team focuses on researching, analyzing and reporting on long-range municipal legislative proposals and building relationships and strategies for implementing these proposals. His career includes experience as a political writer on Capitol Hill, work as a human resource and information technology director, as a town manager in North Carolina and as a city manager in South Carolina. Scott received a bachelor's degrees in history and political science from Winthrop University and a master’s degree in public administration from George Mason University.
Contact Scott through email at sslatton@masc.sc or by phone at 803.933.1203.
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Janice Smith, Receptionist
Janice joined the Association in March 2013. She has more than 20 years of diversified administrative experience with the federal government in several stateside and overseas positions. Janice welcomes and directs visitors and guest to the Municipal Association and the tenants maintaining office space at 1411 Gervais St.
Contact Janice through email at jsmith@masc.sc or by phone at 803.933.1200.
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Trudy Stevenson, Senior Adjuster - SCMIRF
Trudy joined the Municipal Association as a senior adjuster in 2010. Prior to that she worked on the SC Municipal Insurance and Risk Financing Fund's account since 2005 as an adjuster with Companion Third Party Administrators. She received her bachelor of arts in guidance counseling with a minor in psychology from South Carolina State University. |
Lesley Stone, Staff Associate for Affiliate Services
Before joining the Municipal Association in 2010, Lesley worked as a program coordinator at the Wil Lou Gray Opportunity in West Columbia. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Lesley provides support for the Education and Training department as a staff associate for the SC Municipal Human Resource Association, Association of Stormwater Managers, SC Community Development Association, Municipal Attorneys Association, Municipal Court Administrator Association and Municipal Technology Association of SC. |
Christine Sumter, Administrative Assistant
Christine Sumter joined the Association in August, 2008. She most recently attended Columbia College where she is working towards her degree in public relations. Christine has more than 15 years of administrative experience in both the private and public sector, with the majority of her professional experience earned working with The Sisters of Charity Foundation of SC. She provides administrative support for Hometown, SC Legislative Action Day, the Association's Annual Meeting, SC Utility Billing Association and Main Street SC. |
Bill Taylor, Field Services Manager
Bill provides technical and support services to those municipalities located in the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester, Lowcountry, Lower Savannah, Pee Dee, Santee-Lynches and Waccamaw Councils of Governments regions. He joined the Association in July 2010 after more than 33 years of local government experience throughout South Carolina, including economic development director for the Upper Savannah Council of Governments, community development director and assistant city administrator for the City of Lancaster, and most recently, 29 years as town administrator for the Town of Cheraw. Bill has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Clemson University and a master’s in public administration from the University of Georgia.
Contact Bill through email at btaylor@masc.sc or by phone at 803.354.4751.
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Meredith Waldrop, Creative Services and Production Coordinator
Meredith joined the Association in November, 2008. Previously, she was the communications director for the Manufactured Housing Institute of South Carolina. Meredith is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and holds a bachelor’s degree in visual communications. At the Municipal Association, Meredith provides creative and design support for the association’s various publications, affiliates and events. |
Martie Weaver, Administrative Assistant
Martie joined the Association in September 2012. She brings 13 years of administrative experience in both the private and public sector, including 10 years with Spirax Sarco and three years as the municipal clerk for the Town of Blythewood. She provides administrative support for SC Association of Municipal Power Systems, SC Business Licensing Officials Association and SC Municipal Finance Officers, Clerks and Treasurers Association. |
Michelle Willm, Administrative Assistant
After more than 17 years experience with two law firms in Columbia, Michelle joined the staff of the Association in September, 2003. Along with providing administrative support to the executive director, deputy executive director, field services managers and the Advocacy and Communications department, Michelle also provides administrative assistance to the Association of South Carolina Mayors, the managers forums, the Regional Advocacy Meetings and the Municipal Association board of directors.
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