Austin Beard Files as Republican for Open County Council Seat

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 23, 2008
Contact: Tom Swatzel (843) 222-7456 cell
Austin Beard (843) 997-0910 cell
(843) 264-8705 home


GEORGETOWN--Georgetown County Republican Party Chairman Tom Swatzel announced today that Andrews resident Austin Beard has filed as a Republican to run in the June 10th special election for the County Council District-5 seat vacated by Sel Hemingway.

Beard is employed as the manager of the First Federal Bank of Charleston's Litchfield-Pawleys Island office.

"We are pleased to have a candidate of Austin's caliber enter the race. This is a fiscally and socially conservative district that is ready to elect a Republican to represent their values on county council," Swatzel said.

Hemingway recently vacated the council seat when he was hired as the Georgetown County administrator. There will be about six months remaining in the term for the winner of the special election. During the general election in November the four year term for the seat will up for election.

Biography:

J. Austin Beard
603 S. Farr Avenue
Andrews, SC 29510

Born in Spartanburg, SC on November 6, 1949. The oldest of three sons born to Rev. and Mrs. C.H. Beard

Grew up in Hemingway, SC. Father was minister of the First Baptist Church and mother taught piano and music.

Graduate of Hemingway High School and the Baptist College at Charleston, now known as Charleston Southern University.

Married to Susan T. Beard. Mrs. Beard is the former Principal at Maryville Elementary School. She retired in June 2007 after having served in the Georgetown County School District for over 32 years as a teacher, assistant principal and principal.

One son, Wade A. Beard, a graduate of Coastal Carolina University and the Graduate School of Clemson University. Wade makes his home in Alpharetta, GA.

Twenty-five year banking career beginning with First Federal of Georgetown and for the last seven years with First Federal of Charleston as Manager of the Litchfield /Pawleys Island office. Also employed as Director of Programs for Trinity United Methodist Church.

Public Service:

Served on the Georgetown County Planning & Zoning Commission in the 1980's

Long time member of the Georgetown County Alcohol & Drug Abuse Commission

Former Chairman of the Town of Andrews Planning & Zoning Commission

Presently on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity -Georgetown County

Served as Chairman of the Church Administrative Council, Board of Trustees and other positions of leadership at Trinity United Methodist Church

Received the Alumnus Community Service Award from Charleston Southern University