Executive Department

Town Administrator

Town Administrator - The Town Manager is the chief executive officer and head of the administrative branch of the municipal government. He is responsible to the Town Council for the proper administration of all affairs of the municipality and to that end, subject to the provisions of the town ordinances, he shall:

• Appoint officers and employees of the municipalities and fix salaries, and authorize department heads to appoint or remove subordinates;
• Prepare annual budget, submit to Council, and be responsible for its administration after adoption;
• Prepare and submit financial reports to Council, and report on other administrative activities;
• Advise Council on financial condition and future needs of municipality and make recommendations;
• Perform other duties prescribed by law or required by Council.

Dennis E. Averkin, Town Administrator, Member ICMA

Dennis Averkin joined the staff as the Town Administrator in September, 2016. Before coming to the town of Ridgeland, he served as the Chief Financial Officer for Colleton County, South Carolina.  He also served as Director of Finance & Administration for the City of Walterboro, SC and as Finance Director and Interim City Manager for the City of Hardeeville, SC.  Mr. Averkin also brings extensive experience from the private sector, having held senior management positions with Alcoa Europe, Merck Pharmaceuticals, and Bank of New York/Mellon.

Mr. Averkin holds his bachelor’s degree from Clemson University in Finance and a Master of Science in Management from Purdue University's Krannert Graduate School of Management.  He and his wife Clarice have a son, Luke and are proud to call Ridgeland home.

Please contact Mr. Averkin at daverkin@ridgelandsc.gov or 843-726-7500 ext 7504