SWANSEA, S.C. — Swansea, a town that's seen many leadership challenges over the years, is welcoming a new town administrator.
After a lengthy process narrowing six candidates to one, the mayor and council said they've found a new candidate for the position.
Christine Keefer started her part-time town employee role last Monday.
"Councilwoman Butler and Simmons and Councilman Jerome Williams and myself have been fighting very hard with the town's attorney to get that position filled for quite a number of years now, and we finally have achieved that," District Three council member Mike Luongo said.
Mayor Viola McDaniel said Keefer's assistant town administrator experience in Blythewood and work with Richland County are what sealed the deal.
Councilman Mike Luongo said he's hopeful for what's to come.
"She's going to be reporting to us of, obviously, what she sees, what she recommends and moving the town personnel, and the town, the way it operates in hopefully a better light," Luongo said.
"I'm excited about working with Swansea's elected officials, staff, taxpayers, and businesses to help transform the town into the vibrant community everyone believes it can be," Keefer said in a statement. "Admittedly, there are a few challenges, but I feel confident that by working together as a community ... We can accomplish some really positive things here in Swansea."
Mayor McDaniel said Keefer will oversee the police, administration, staff, water, and sanitation. She'll also attend council meetings.
"I'm going to relieve myself of all those duties once she gets settled in and everything," McDaniel said. "She'll be over the employees."
According to the mayor, the council will publicly introduce Swansea's new town administrator on Monday night at their council meeting.
Keefer said she'll work at town hall Mondays through Wednesdays.