Clauson Appointed as Interim Town Manager of Winnsboro

Clauson Appointed as Interim Town Manager of Winnsboro

Unanimous Decision by Town Council

Winnsboro Town Council members have unanimously decided on May 21, 2024, to promote the Town’s assistant manager, Chris Clauson, to the position of interim town manager. This decision comes following the resignation of the former Town Manager, Jason Taylor, who has since accepted the City Manager role at the Town of Newberry. Despite his departure, Taylor will continue to work with the town until the end of June.

Position Accepted with High-Level Experience

With over a decade of experience in local government administration, Clauson brings a well-curated arsenal of skills and knowledge to the table. He has been an integral part of the town’s management since July 2021. Before reaching this juncture, Clauson had proudly served Fairfield County as the community development director for just over three-and-a-half years under Taylor’s administration.

In ensuring the interim duties go to Clauson, Taylor stated, “During the six years I’ve worked with Chris – three years at the county and three years here in the town – I have found him to be an honest, intelligent, and capable manager. His institutional knowledge of the county and the town will be invaluable.”

Praiseworthy Contributions

Revealing Clauson’s significant contributions to the town, Taylor disclosed, “Chris facilitated the annexation of more than 140 properties into the town limits, and worked with Town Council to secure over $15 million in grant funding for public infrastructure projects for the town. He also initiated, in coordination with the Town and County Councils, removal of a number of blighted structures in the community, more removals than have occurred in the last twenty years.”

Noteworthy Achievements and Roles

Clauson played a pivotal role during leadership transitions of four town departments in the past after long-term directors retired. Earlier in his tenure, he backed the implementation of the Advanced Meter Infrastructure to optimize the utility metering process. He was recently sworn in as a member of the Fairfield Joint Water and Sewer System Commission, replacing Taylor.

During his tenure with Fairfield County, Clauson chaired the Fairfield Forward initiative. Prior to this, he worked for the Town of Chapin as a town administrator and with the Santee-Lynches Regional Council of Governments.

Academic Excellence and Military Service

Holder of high-level academic qualifications, Clauson achieved a Bachelor of Science degree from Liberty University, a Professional Master of Business Administration from the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business and a Master of City and Regional Planning degree from Clemson University. Before embarking on his college education, Clauson served six years in the United States Air Force, with assignments in North Carolina, Afghanistan, and South Korea.

Thrilled over his new assignment, Clauson lives in Winnsboro with his wife Carla and their three children, balancing the responsibilities of family life with his commitment to public service.

Source: HERE News Network