Berkeley County taps chief attorney to lead economic development

Listen to this article

The Berkeley County Council voted Feb. 26 to name John O. Williams II the county’s new economic development director.

Williams is a Berkeley County native, who has served as the head county attorney since 2015. Since March 2021, he has also filled the role of one of the county’s two deputy supervisors, according to a news release from the county.

Williams graduated from Berkeley High School, then Clemson University with a degree in civil engineering and the University of South Carolina with a juris doctor degree. After law school, Williams clerked for the Judge R. Markley Dennis Jr. of the South Carolina Circuit Court. He later served as an assistant solicitor with the Ninth Circuit Solicitor’s Office and then spent several years in private practice.

In his new role, Williams will also continue to serve as head county attorney.

“I would like to thank Supervisor Cribb and County Council for placing their trust in me as I embark in this new role,” Williams said in the news release. “As always, it is a privilege and an honor to serve Berkeley County and her residents in whatever way I am able.”

“John O. Williams II is a seasoned professional who has dedicated nearly a decade of his career to Berkeley County, its staff and citizens,” Johnny Cribb, Berkeley County supervisor, said in the release. “We are honored to have him continue in a leadership position with our team and serve the county he has called home his entire life.”