Russell B. Hawes, AICP

As Simpsonville City Administrator, Mr. Russell Hawes directs the operations of this fast growing city of more than 18,000 people. He has overseen the construction and opening of Heritage Park, a $15 million state-of-the-art multi-use facility and home of Freedom Weekend Aloft. Projects instituted by Mr. Hawes include the downtown transportation enhancement and streetscape project, a mass transit feasibility study, the acquisition and renovation of a former downtown elementary school into the Simpsonville Arts and Cultural Center, and numerous strategic growth initiatives. He serves on the Simpsonville 2020 strategic planning committee and is a board member of the Simpsonville Industrial Development Corporation and the Simpsonville Public Facilities Corporation.

Mr. Hawes received his Master of Regional Planning and Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He also holds an Associate in Science degree in Business Administration from Lees McRae College. He also graduated the South Carolina Economic Developers' School at the College of Charleston. He is a member of the International City/County Management Assocation, the American Institute of Certified Planners, the American Planning Association, and the Simpsonville Rotary Club. Mr. Hawes also serves on the Church Council of the Simpsonville United Methodist Church.