‘Time for a new group:’ Hilton Head’s top town official retires after 29 years
Hilton Head Island Town Manager Steve Riley announced his retirement Monday morning, effective at the end of the year.
Riley, 60, has been town manager since 1994. Prior to his appointment as head administrator of the town, he served as the community development director for three years.
Riley said Monday that he was proud of the town’s robust land acquisition program, parks system expansion and the island’s recovery from Hurricane Matthew in 2016.
“We’re about to update a parks plan, and it’s time for a new group to bring that plan forward,” Riley said. “But our preparation and recovery from (Hurricane) Matthew is something I’ll always look back on.”
In his retirement announcement, Riley lauded the collective effort of town staff and elected officials in his nearly three decades in office.
“I have enjoyed working with the various mayors and members of Town Council over the years and to have been a part of so many initiatives that have enriched the lives of our citizens and guests,” Riley said. “None of these would have been possible without the support of the elected officials, the amazing work ethic and commitment put forth by our incredible staff, and, of course, with input from so many dedicated community volunteers.”
His service has also come with challenges.
Riley, whose tenure has spanned seven mayors, has at times disagreed with their plans or visions for staff’s work. Most notably, he and former Mayor David Bennett verbally sparred over Hurricane Matthew preparedness and Riley’s search for another job.
And he said his final year as town manager will stick out as the year the island dealt with the coronavirus pandemic, which he’s called “a never-ending hurricane.”
Riley said he plans to stay on the island with his wife, Mary Jo. Monday was his 29-year work anniversary.
“The first Monday in June 29 years ago was my first day on the job,” Riley said. “So there was something special about using the first day on the job as the day to announce my retirement.”
At Tuesday’s Hilton Head Island Town Council meeting, Hilton Head Island’s Town Council will discuss the process of hiring a new town manager. The council will need to decide whether to hire an executive search committee or put out a public request for applications.
Riley’s assistant town manager, Josh Gruber, is expected to be in the running for the job.
This story was originally published June 1, 2020 at 1:30 PM.
