Town Administrator

STEPHANIE MONROE TILLERSON, AICP

Stephanie Tillerson brings an exceptional record of experience and accomplishment to her role as the Town Administrator of Kiawah Island.  In addition, her background in municipal government – where she worked collaboratively with all sectors of state, county, and local government – makes her uniquely qualified to handle the multi-faceted tasks associated with coordinating multiple community projects and personnel.

In October 2015, Stephanie started with the Town of Kiawah, where she was hired as the third Town Administrator for the Town of Kiawah Island since its incorporation as a Town in 1988.  She reports directly to the Mayor but serves at the pleasure of the Town Council.  Her responsibilities include but are not limited to running the Town's day-to-day operations.  Before joining the Town of Kiawah Island, she was the City Manager for the City of Woodruff, the Planning Director for the City of Spartanburg, the Director of Upstate Forever Spartanburg Office, and the Planning Director for Laurens County and the City of Clinton.  In addition, she was a town planner for the Town of Hilton Head Island.

She is a graduate of Leadership Charleston class of 2017.  She served on numerous Boards and Committees.  She served as a Director at Large for the Junior League of Charleston from 2018 – 2020.  In addition, she serves on the Board of the Barrier Island Free Medical Clinic and the Charleston County Parks and Recreation Foundation Board. 

Stephanie holds a bachelor's degree in public affairs management and a master's in urban and regional planning from Michigan State University.  She also has a master's degree in public administration from the University of South Carolina.

"I strive to keep the Town Council apprised of key Town issues, to seek their input and guidance on critical operational decisions, to alert them to community needs as they arise, to provide support in strategic planning for the community, and to provide the Council with policy recommendations for their consideration and action.  In addition, I work with the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, and Finance Director on the annual proposed budget and capital improvement program and represent the Town in local, regional, and statewide activities," said Tillerson. 

"Kiawah is a community that relies on local volunteers in many ways.  In considerable measure, our community is a beautiful place to live and work due to the hundreds of hours our dedicated volunteers lend to assist their community.  Whether by serving on one of the Town's many boards or commissions, involvement with turtle patrol or the shorebird steward program, or serving on the board of several local organizations, the Kiawah community benefits immensely from many generous people."

Contact Stephanie Tillerson via email - Click Here