From staff reports
City Manager Bill Prokop announced his retirement effective early January 2023 at Tuesday night’s City Council meeting.
“This is a very bittersweet time for me, but I know it is time and the City is in great shape to adjust to a change in leadership. I will miss very much being part of Team Beaufort,” Prokop said.
Prokop was named city manager in February of 2015, succeeding Scott Dadson. He began his tenure at the City of Beaufort in March 2014 as director of Human Resources. He came to Beaufort from Keene, N.H., where he had been an assistant city manager and HR director.
“I’ve worked with few leaders who demonstrate the compassion, work ethic, and strategic focus that Bill embodies,” Beaufort Mayor Stephen Murray said. “His tenure leaves the City better than he found it, and will have generational impact, for which I am extremely grateful.”
The City will immediately begin the process to select a new city manager. The position will be advertised nationally, and the application period will go from Wednesday, Sept. 28 through Oct. 21. The Municipal Association of South Carolina will help in the screening of candidates and recommend finalists. The finalists will go through an interview process that will be established by City Council. The City hopes to have a new city manager named by early January 2023.
Prokop began a second career in municipal government in 2002, when he was named the Antrim, N.H., town administrator. For much of his professional career, he was a manager and executive both domestically and internationally for Berol Corp. (Eagle Pencil Co.), followed by launching his own office equipment manufacturing company, Graphic & Office Products, Inc. (Dahle USA).
In his tenure at the City of Beaufort, Prokop has led a number of initiatives including:
– Establishment of a Strategic Plan, focusing on goals two to three years out;
– Instilling customer service goals in all departments;
– Employee development and succession planning;
– Systematic prioritizing of stormwater drainage projects. The Mossy Oaks Stormwater Project was completed in 2021; work has begun on The Point & Downtown Stormwater Project, while many advances have been made in problem areas throughout the City;
– Economic development initiatives including establishment of the Beaufort Digital Corridor and South Coast Cyber Center; construction and leasing of a spec building in Beaufort Commerce Park; and working with Beaufort Memorial Hospital, the University of South Carolina Beaufort, and the Technical College of the Lowcountry on workforce issues; and
– Commitment to a regional Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
The city manager is hired by, and reports to, Beaufort City Council. The city manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the City and long-term strategic planning. He or she presents an annual budget to City Council. All department heads report to the City Manager.
