Chesterfield County Council Chairwoman Anderson Elected to Serve as SCAC President
New officers, board members selected during the SC Association of Counties' 2025 Annual Conference
after being selected as Association president for 2025-26.
Chesterfield County Council Chairwoman Mary D. Anderson was elected president of the South Carolina Association of Counties (SCAC) for 2025-26 during the Association’s Annual Conference held Aug. 4-6.
A Cheraw native and former educator, Anderson currently serves as owner and broker-in-charge of Lewis Realty of Chesterfield County. She is in her third term on County Council and represents Chesterfield County on the Pee Dee Council of Governments and Northeastern Strategic Alliance boards. Anderson succeeds Allendale County Council Chairman William E. Robinson, who was SCAC’s president for 2024-25.
"It is a true pleasure to represent and advocate for residents of my county and state,” Anderson said. “My parents, who were public educators, instilled in me the importance of giving back to our community. This year, I look forward to working with county leaders across South Carolina to collectively promote the issues that are important to all 46 counties.”
Anderson emphasized the value of the Association’s advocacy, education and collaboration efforts.
“Over the years, SCAC helped me learn and grow as a county council member and supported Chesterfield County and our neighbors at the state level,” she said. “As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Home Rule Act this year, I am excited about leading our Association’s important work to empower county officials and elevate county government.”
Anderson dedicated 20 years to the field of education, primarily serving students in Wallace after completing her undergraduate and graduate degrees at Winthrop University. She is an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Cheraw, where she is currently an elder. In the community, she also serves on the McLeod Health Board of Trustees, where she helps support the future of health care in the Pee Dee region. She is also a long-standing member of Rotary, serving at the local and district levels.
Anderson and her husband, J. Douglas Anderson, have two adult sons, John and Harvey.
Chairman Bill Robinson, pictured here with his wife Donella.
Other officers elected for 2025-26 were Dorchester County Council Chairman C. David Chinnis for first vice president, Calhoun County Council Vice Chairman Cecil M. Thornton Jr. for second vice president, Lancaster County Council Chairman W. Brian Carnes for third vice president, Charleston County Clerk of Court Julie J. Armstrong for treasurer and Sumter County Council Member Charles T. Edens for secretary.
In addition, the following board members were elected: Bamberg County Council Vice Chairman Larry Haynes, Greenwood County Council Chairman Theo Lane, Richland County Council Chairwoman Jesica Mackey, Anderson County Treasurer Jason Phillips, and Lexington County Administrator Lynn Sturkie.