Key city leader is leaving to pursue new career role

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By HEATHER RUPPE

A longtime leader for the City of Walterboro is leaving the city to pursue another career opportunity in a nearby government.

Current City of Walterboro Assistant Manager Hank Amundson has resigned from his role. Amundson will be leaving the city on Feb. 4th and will almost immediately begin his new role as a Special Projects Director with Beaufort County Government.

He has served the Walterboro as assistant manager for nearly five years, and served in leadership roles with the city prior to his becoming assistant manager.

Amundson said on Tuesday that he is very excited about his new career opportunity, but said he will miss working and thriving in Walterboro.

“Being from Miami, Florida and living in cities like Orlando and Charlotte, I never thought I would live in a small town. I never thought I would love it like I do. I never thought I would work in government. I never thought I would be this involved in the City of Walterboro. And then I never thought I would work somewhere else,” he said. “… All of these ‘nevers’ have come to pass and the process has led to a great life for me and my family. This has taught me to never say never, as you don’t have control of the greater plan for your life.”

Amundson has been part of several poignant City of Walterboro projects, including the fruition of the new downtown Walterboro outdoor amphitheater and the creation of the city’s new Discovery Center. He has also played integral roles in upgrade projects within the city, including the ongoing beautification projects of Interstate 95 exit ramps and upgrades to the city’s infrastructure.

Additionally, Amundson said he is proud to have worked with Colleton County and to be a partner with the county’s plan for long-term industrial economic development.

“Walterboro and Colleton County are expanding infrastructure and setting the stage for big things,” said Amundson. “The partnership between the city and county is the key in what has been done and will continue to be as the process rolls into the future. It will be transformative when these behind-the-scenes actions and collaborations eventually manifest into the jobs and advancement that we all want for our area so badly.”

When asked about the local accomplishments he is most proud of, Amundson said he was also rewarded in the work between the city and USC Salkehatchie, a joint effort that expanded the local college’s dorms and athletic programs.

“While I am a bit sad to leave the City of Walterboro, I am excited to take the next step in my professional career,” he said. “I feel very good about the projects and improvements that we have completed and launched during my time with the City of Walterboro.

“ … I have had a passion for Walterboro since I moved here in January of 2008. It is a special place full of special people and I believe that Walterboro is full of exciting potential,” said Amundson.

In his new role in Beaufort, Amundson will be handling all of Beaufort’s county-wide initiatives funded by the American Recovery Plan Act, in addition to other large projects.

According to Walterboro Manager Jeff Molinari, the city will begin recruiting for a new assistant manager in mid-February.

“Hank is especially skilled at breaking down complex concepts to their most basic elements and connecting all of the dots to make projects happen,” said Molinari, adding that Amundson was also the lead facilitator of several city initiatives during his tenure as assistant manager, including the annexation of the former Coastal Lumber site and the demolition process of dilapidated buildings throughout the city. “I’m going to miss Hank’s energy, enthusiasm, and his passion for the City of Walterboro,” he said.