Meet Your City Council
I was born in Greenville and raised in Simpsonville by my late parents Bob and Judy O’Rear. I grew up in the Poinsettia neighborhood with my two brothers, Brad and Trent, and countless lifelong friends. Every school I ever graduated from is in Greenville County, including Furman University, where I graduated with a degree in history and a concentration in the history of the American South. I’m at least a 12th generation Southerner on both sides of my family.
While at Furman, I was also a student-athlete and member of the 1988 National Championship football team. During our playoff run, a local reporter asked to speak to any local kids on the team and was sent to me. When asked if I was from Greenville, I said, “No, I’m from Simpsonville.” That’s exactly what made the paper. I have always been proud to say I’m from Simpsonville.
I have been married to my high school sweetheart, Fran, for almost 31 years and am the father of twin girls, Abigail and Eliza. The greatest thrill of my life is being their Dad.
I can’t express how much it means to me that my hometown entrusted me with a leadership role on City Council. My biggest goals are absolute transparency with how the people’s government works and minimizing the impact that new development has on our great city. Every decision I make will always be in the best interest of the people of my native Simpsonville.
Councilman Aaron Rupe is serving his first term on Simpsonville City Council representing Ward II since taking office in 2021. Mr. Rupe has a psychology degree from Bob Jones University and has a family with two daughters and one son.
I am a proud resident of our city, where I have lived for the past 14 years. I'm honored to serve on our City Council and equally proud to be a full-time stay-at-home mom. My husband and I are raising our son in Simpsonville, and I care deeply about the community we all share.
My journey into public service was inspired by a love for helping people and a passion for problem-solving. Whether it’s listening to residents’ concerns, working to improve local services, or supporting initiatives that make life better for families, I am committed to being a voice for our city.
Outside of my work on Council, you'll find me camping in the mountains, growing vegetable gardens, cooking, or spending time with family and friends. I am also a big animal lover and currently have two rescue cats who (lovingly) take over the house. I believe in continuous learning, and doing everything I can to support the place we call simply home.
Thank you for being a part of this community—I'm here to listen, learn, and lead with heart.
I am the Ward IV Simpsonville City Council member, proudly serving Simpsonville for over seven years. I have lived in Simpsonville since 2008 and been a resident of Greenville County since 1993. My deep connection to the area drives my passion for improving my community and ensuring a high quality of life for all its residents.
My education includes studies in world history at University of Arkansas, mass media at the College of the Ozarks in Branson, Missouri, and journalism at the University of North Carolina and earning a bachelor’s of science in English education from Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina.
A veteran of the United States Coast Guard, I served for eight years in Port Security during operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm and in Search & Rescue operations on Lake Michigan. I also worked in the Office of Public Affairs with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in North Carolina, where I gained valuable experience in emergency services, government communications, and community engagement.
As part of my ongoing dedication to local governance and political involvement, I have served as Executive Committeeman and/or President of the Simpsonville 6 Precinct of the Greenville County Republican Party since 2012.
My professional background in education includes teaching in Greenville County schools, serving as an adjunct instructor at Tri-County Technical College, and homeschooling some of my own children. As a small business owner and licensed realtor, I bring a deep understanding of local economic development and the importance of supporting small businesses to the council dais.
As a mother of six, I value and employ a family-oriented approach to decision-making when guiding decisions for our community. Over the course of my time serving on City Council, I have achieved several key successes, including decisions that led to building a dependable city staff, strengthening our emergency services, and acquiring needed equipment to reestablish Public Works services for our community. I have used my vote to direct improvements to city properties, such as the Simpsonville Arts Center, the new Municipal Complex, Heritage Park, CCNB Amphitheater, Alder Park, Gracely Park, and the opening stretch of our Simpsonville Trail System for local walkers and cyclists. I initiated the Simpsonville Music Series & Food Truck Rodeo and Movies in the Park that are enjoyed by many families every summer. Eliminating areas of blight through incentive-based development and historic restoration has also been achieved in several areas, all while maintaining consecutive balanced budgets, stellar annual audits, and ensuring zero tax increases for seven consecutive years.
As I continue my service to Simpsonville residents and businesses, I remain focused on addressing the current challenges, including rapid population growth, lagging infrastructure improvements, and over-building near our city limit lines by developers inside Greenville County. I am committed to promoting public safety, sustainable development, beautification, and a positive quality of life for all residents of Simpsonville. I can be reached by city residents at the number and email address provided for comments, questions, and considerate dialogue any time. Thank you for allowing me to represent you and our #simplyhome!
Councilman Tim Pinkerton began serving his first four-year term in 2024. Mr. Pinkerton is enjoying retirement after having worked 40+ years in the construction and engineering industry with assignments locally, nationally, and overseas.
I have served the City of Simpsonville with dedication and commitment, both as a public servant and an active community member. A proud resident of Simpsonville for nearly all my adult life, my wife Mary and I have raised our four children here, all of whom have attended school, worked, and played in this vibrant community. My deep roots in the town have driven my passion for public service and offered a means to give back to the community that has shaped my family's success and happiness.
My public service includes roles such as a member of the Swamp Rabbit Trail Development Committee and a board member of the Golden Strip Trails Group, Chairman of the Arts Center Feasibility Study Committee, and past member of the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals. I am currently serving my second four-year term with the City.
Planning has always been a cornerstone of my approach to local government. My experience with the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals has given me valuable insight into how proper planning can drive the city's success. Working with Council to revise our Comprehensive Plan,has led to the creation of our city’s Strategic Plan and a visionary Master Plan. These plans have been instrumental in guiding the city’s development and achievements, including maintaining a balanced budget and a healthy general fund balance, attracting new businesses, establishing a cultural arts center, establishing a new, modern civic center that includes a new police department and fire department headquarters, implementing the first mile of the Swamp Rabbit Trail in Simpsonville, and redesigning and building a new city park, among other achievements
Looking forward, I remain focused on sustainable growth, addressing stormwater runoff issues, and enhancing the city's infrastructure. My commitment to listening to the needs of residents and translating those needs into actionable plans continues to drive my work, ensuring that Simpsonville remains a thriving and dynamic community
Mayor Paul Shewmaker, elected in 2019, currently serves with distinction in his second term as mayor of Simpsonville, South Carolina. He has consistently demonstrated his commitment to Simpsonville’s progress. Alongside his mayoral responsibilities, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Association of South Carolina Mayors, showcasing his dedication to fostering collaborative leadership.
Before assuming his civic role, Mr. Shewmaker enjoyed a long professional career in safety, production management, and human resources. He retired in 2019 from his role as Director of Human Resources for National Carbon/Morgan Advanced Materials. His professional journey encompassed diverse roles in industrial management, including a nine-year tenure as a production manager. His expertise extended to pivotal areas such as environmental health and safety, benefits, and HRIS. Mr. Shewmaker has a bachelor’s of science degree in safety management from Indiana State University.
Beyond his professional endeavors, he speaks a bit of Italian, loves to travel, enjoys yard work, and one time he decontaminated nerve gas bombs for the Navy.
Even though he was born and raised in the small prairie town of Jacksonville, Illinois, Mayor Shewmaker considers Simpsonville home. Having lived here most of his life—raising two boys and being grandpa to five beautiful girls—his roots are in Simpsonville.
Mr. Shewmaker is a proficient wild bird expert, reflecting his passion for and connection to the outdoors. His enthusiasm extends to pursuits such as hiking and golf. Shewmaker served as a long-time Scout leader for the Boy Scouts of America, where he guided and mentored young minds. His most cherished accomplishment was serving as Scoutmaster and helping his two sons achieve the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout.
Paul Shewmaker's trajectory from a distinguished industrial career to his present role as mayor illuminates his unwavering dedication to community service.
