LAURENS, SOUTH CAROLINA – The Laurens County Council is proud to announce the selection of Jerre Threatt as the new County Administrator, following a unanimous vote confirming his appointment. A lifelong advocate for community development and public service, Threatt brings over two decades of experience in local government, nonprofit leadership, planning and community development, and strategic planning to the role.
Threatt most recently served as the Corporate and Foundation Relations Officer at Presbyterian College in Clinton, where he also held the position of Interim Vice President for Advancement in 2022. His strategic development efforts secured several transformative gifts, including a $1.25 million grant from the Lilly Endowment and a $1 million+ naming gift for the McIntosh Athletics Center. He was also instrumental in the creation of the GRACE Initiative to support students facing acute financial insecurity.
In addition to his role at Presbyterian College, Threatt is a respected figure in the local community. He currently serves on the executive board of the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce, as a board member of the Laurens County Trails Association, and has served as chairman of the Laurens County Accommodations Tax Grant Committee.
Threatt’s public service career also includes key roles with the City of Clinton and the City of Columbia. As Assistant City Manager in Clinton, he led planning and economic development efforts, spearheaded revitalization projects, and secured over $500,000 in state and federal grants. In Columbia, as City Planner, he administered design guidelines within multiple commercial and residential historic districts and was responsible for projects that gained local, state, and national recognition.
Threatt holds two master’s degrees, a Master of Public Administration from Clemson University and a Master of Arts in Historic Preservation from the Savannah College of Art and Design. He also completed the prestigious Yale University Graduate Program in Graphic Design and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Coker College.
Laurens County Council Chair Jeffrey Carroll welcomed Mr. Threatt saying "I am excited to see what we can accomplish with the addition of Jerre to our team. Laurens County is experiencing challenges that match well with the skill sets that Jerre brings to the County Administrator position. The entire council is ready to support and partner with Jerre to make Laurens County the best community to live, work and play."
Upon hearing the news of his appointment, Threatt said, “I am truly honored and grateful that County Council has placed their trust in me to serve the people of Laurens County. I am committed to leading with integrity, honesty, and transparency in every decision we make. Together, I believe we can build on the county’s strong foundation and move forward with a shared vision that ensures our residents, organizations, and businesses will continue to thrive. This community is my home, and I look forward to what the future holds.”
Threatt will begin his tenure as County Administrator effective November 3rd
