Richland County Council elects new leadership for 2024

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The Richland County Council officially elected new leadership for 2024.

Former Council Vice Chair Jesica Mackey (District 9) was elected as chair, and Councilman Derrek Pugh (District 2) was elected vice chair, according to a news release.

Both Mackey and Pugh are entering the fourth year of their first terms on council, according to the release. The council members both won their seats in the 2020 election. Mackey has served as vice chair since 2022.

“I am truly humbled by my fellow Councilmembers for their support,” Mackey said in the release. “I have enjoyed serving alongside of each of you, and I look forward to continuing to work together to move Richland County forward.”

Richland County Council consists of 11 members who are elected from single-member districts for four-year terms beginning Jan. 1 of the year after their election. In January, Council elects a chair and vice chair who each serve one-year terms.

“I’m elated and grateful to serve as the next vice chairman of Richland County Council,” Pugh said in the release. “I understand the importance of representing our collective interests and ensuring this body continues to thrive both internally and externally for the citizens of Richland County. I want to thank my colleagues for their trust and support.”

All other council members, Jason Branham (District 1), Yvonne McBride (District 3), Paul Livingston (District 4), Allison Terracio (District 5), Don Weaver (District 6), Gretchen Barron (District 7), Overture Walker (District 8), Cheryl English (District 10) and Chakisse Newton (District 11), will continue to serve their current terms.