Clarendon County Deputy Administrator Sharmane Anderson has accepted the position of town administrator for the Town of Santee and is expected to begin the role Apr. 6.
Santee Town Council voted Mar. 4 to offer the position to Anderson following a search that drew 21 applicants, according to reporting from The Times and Democrat. Nine candidates were selected for interviews before the council ultimately voted 3–0 to extend the offer. Council member Sheryl Patrick was absent. Santee Mayor Donnie Hilliard did not vote but voiced support for the decision.
Anderson said the opportunity to help guide a community experiencing rapid growth made the position appealing.
“Santee is a fantastic community that is now experiencing exponential growth,” Anderson said. “I enjoy a challenge, so this piqued my curiosity. Additionally, having expertise in a municipality will provide me with the best of both worlds.”
She said she looks forward to working with local leaders and residents as the town continues to develop.
“I am excited about the opportunity to get to know the citizens of Santee and how we can continue to grow well together,” she said. “Mayor Hilliard is a wealth of knowledge so I look forward to serving under him.”
Anderson became deputy administrator in 2023 after previously leading the county’s voter registration and elections office. She also served as interim county administrator beginning in July 2025 following the retirement of longtime administrator Lynden Anthony. Clarendon County Council later hired Walt Ackerman as administrator in October, and Anderson returned to her deputy role.
Ackerman said Anderson’s departure will leave a noticeable gap in county operations.
“Sharmane's departure will leave a big gap in administrative operations,” Ackerman said. “Since my arrival, Sharmane and I have parsed out various duties for oversight and management of the various county departments. With her being gone, that entire responsibility will fall on me alone.”
He said Anderson is also leading several ongoing projects and policy reviews that will now need to be reassigned or absorbed.
Ackerman said the county has not yet determined whether it will immediately begin searching for a new deputy administrator.
“I still need time to ponder that question,” he said. “I need to have some discussion with County Council about the situation.”
Though Ackerman joined Clarendon County in November, he said Anderson’s knowledge of the county’s operations has been valuable.
“I have enjoyed working with her,” Ackerman said. “She provides valuable insight into the workings of the county and the background behind certain activities. She will be missed.”
As she prepares to transition into her new role, Anderson said she will carry with her the lessons and relationships built during her time in Clarendon County government.
“My most recent experience in Clarendon County as a department head and then administration has afforded me the opportunity to see all aspects of government,” Anderson said. “Those connections will serve us well on my journey to Santee.”
She said she is especially proud of several initiatives completed during her tenure, including securing a federal appropriation through Congressman Jim Clyburn’s office, launching a wills clinic for first responders in partnership with the Center for Heirs Property Preservation and building internship opportunities for students through partnerships with F.E. DuBose Career Center and Morris College.
But more than any individual accomplishment, Anderson said she will miss the people she worked alongside.
“The staff of Clarendon County is second to none,” she said. “They work so hard to ensure that we are up and running every day. I am grateful to council for affording me the opportunity to serve. Clarendon is home. I will always serve as I always have.”
