From staff reports
On Friday, Sept. 1, Beaufort County confirmed the promotion of Denise Christmas to Interim Deputy County Administrator. Her appointment is effective immediately.
The Island News’ Delayna Earley initially reported Christmas’ promotion on Wednesday, Aug. 30, though newly hired County Public Information Officer Hannah Nichols said at the time she could not comment because she has not been made aware of the promotion.
The position had been officially vacant since former Deputy County Administrator Whitney Richland resigned on August 18, per a statement from Beaufort County.
Richland is currently under investigation by the S.C. State Ethics Commission for her role in the alleged attempted purchase of almost 600 weighted blankets from a company reportedly owned by Richland’s husband.
“I am honored to accept the position of Interim Deputy County Administrator,” Christmas said in a release from Beaufort County. “I am committed to serving the citizens and working alongside our talented team. Together, we will strive for excellence and make positive changes and impacts.”
Christmas has more than 23 years’ experience working in county governments including Beaufort, Calhoun, and Orangeburg counties. Her many roles in the past have included Chief Financial Officer, Deputy County Administrator, and Acting County Administrator.
Christmas has been a member of the South Carolina Government Finance Officers Association for more than 20 years and earned her designation as Certified Government Finance Officer in 2009.
Christmas holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Limestone University, a Local Governments Leadership Institute Certificate, a National Association of Counties High Performance Leadership Certificate, and is a recent graduate of the S.C. Association of Counties Institute of Governments – Level 2 program. Prior to working for county governments, she worked for the U.S. Department of Justice and as a paralegal for five years.
