Press Release October 23, 2024
YORK COUNTY, SC: York County is excited to announce the addition of two assistant county managers to our team. Tom Couch and David Garner bring a wealth of experience and varied backgrounds to our county. They’re both eager to embrace the challenges and guide the success of our rapidly-growing community.
Tom Couch comes to York County from Statesboro, Georgia where he has held the position of Bulloch County Manager for 20 years. Tom has 35 years of experience in local government, having previously worked as Assistant For Special Projects, County Administrator for Coffee County, Georgia, and City Manager of Glennville, Georgia.
Tom has an extensive background in strategic planning, developing legislative and intergovernmental partnerships, and financial and growth management. He’s experienced in managing capital projects, organizational leadership and citizen engagement.
He holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Georgia State University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Eastern Michigan University. He is also a certified planner through the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), and an ICMA Credentialed Manager.
Tom said he’s looking forward to serving the people of York County:
“I am honored and deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve in the role of assistant county manager. I look forward to advancing the mission, vision, and values of York County, and working closely with county manager, staff, elected officials, and community partners to address the challenges and opportunities facing our county.”
Tom is originally from Metro Detroit. He and wife Carolyn have been married 38 years. They have three grown children and one grandchild. They enjoy traveling, hiking and Michigan Wolverine Football.
David Garner has served as County Director for Abbeville County, South Carolina since 2017. He has a wide range of experience in emergency management and public safety. David served as a paramedic at Greenville County EMS, and a Regional Emergency Management Coordinator for the SC Emergency Management Division. He has been deployed in disaster response, and is an ICMA Credentialed Manager.
David was Town Administrator for Calhoun Falls, SC before becoming Abbeville County Director. He earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration at Clemson University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Management from Jacksonville State University in Alabama.
David is excited to take on this new role in York County:
“I am thrilled to join the York County team and embrace the opportunities ahead. My family and I are excited to settle into this vibrant community and actively contribute to its growth. With years of public service as an administrator and a diverse background in public safety, I look forward to being a valuable asset to York County’s continued progress and success.”
David and his wife Taryn have five children ages six to 18. They’re both originally from Anderson, and as a family they enjoy the outdoors, especially soccer and family game night.
York County Manager Josh Edwards made leadership experience a priority in filling these two assistant manager positions. As the county moves forward on a long-term strategic plan, both David Garner and Tom Couch bring years of experience in managing staff, building relationships with stakeholders, and guiding the direction of an organization.
“Tom and David are experts in providing exceptional local government services and have a commitment to delivering results for their communities. Their leadership and experience will help York County achieve the goals set out by County Council. I look forward to welcoming them and their families to York County and partnering with them on creating a positive impact for our citizens.”
We welcome both of these new leaders to York County, and look forward to the impact they will make in the years to come. We know our citizens and our county staff will benefit from their expertise and leadership.
