On Tuesday, Richland County Council officially elected new leadership for 2024.
Derrek Pugh, Dillon native and a graduate of Dillon High School’s Class of 1998, has been named Vice-Chair of Richland County Council in Columbia, SC.
In this capacity Derrek will help steward the governance of the elected body and serve as a key representative within the community.
Pugh is entering the fourth year of his first term on Council. The Councilman won his seat in the 2020 election.
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. “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.”
Pugh represents more than 40,000 citizens in the Blythewood and Broad River areas of Richland County. He has served as Chair of the Services and Development Committee, Office of Small Business Opportunity Committee, and the Alvin S. Glenn Ad Hoc Committee. Pugh is the council liaison for Richland County Parks and Recreation Commission and the Township Auditorium and he currently serves on the Central Midlands Council of Governments.
Over the past 3 years Pugh has focused on enhancing equitable growth practices, economic development and addressing the county’s food deserts. Within the past two years he has worked with community leaders to implement a new fireworks ordinance, attract a grocery store to the Broad River Road Corridor and assist with Richland County’s biggest economic development opportunity– with the arrival of Scout Motors to Blythewood.
Derrek has a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master’s in Business Management. He is currently the state director for Abraxis Youth and Family Services.