News Summary
Jim Crosland, the City Manager of Cayce, is set to retire on July 7, 2025, to become town administrator in Irmo. His departure comes alongside the announcement of Finance Director Kelly McMullen’s exit. The Cayce City Council is preparing for leadership changes as they navigate the hiring process for Crosland’s successor amidst recent management turnover. At the same time, Irmo officials express confidence in Crosland’s ability to lead their town effectively.
Cayce – City Manager Jim Crosland has announced his retirement from his position in Cayce to take on a new role as the town administrator in Irmo. Crosland’s departure will take effect on July 7, 2025, after an initial plan to remain until August 8. His retirement notice was formally communicated on May 6, 2025. Alongside Crosland, Kelly McMullen, the city’s Finance Director, is also set to leave, though her specific departure date has not yet been disclosed.
During a recent council meeting, it was shared that Allison Barrs, currently the Financial Reporting Manager, will be promoted to the position of municipal treasurer upon McMullen’s exit. The State newspaper has made a request to obtain a copy of McMullen’s resignation letter, suggesting an interest in the changes taking place within Cayce’s leadership.
Crosland has been with the city since 1998 and was appointed as city manager in December 2024, having initially stepped into the role temporarily in July 2024 after the previous city manager, Tracy Hegler, resigned following a turbulent budget season. His upcoming move to Irmo will lead him to replace Courtney Dennis, who has held the position for 23 years and is making her own exit on July 3, 2025, to assume a new role as the COO of a portable building manufacturing company.
Crosland’s prior experience includes a role as a police sergeant in Irmo, adding to his familiarity with the area. In light of Dennis’s departure, Irmo Mayor Bill Danielson reached out to Crosland, indicating a smooth transition. Crosland’s residency in Irmo is expected to ease his reintegration into the local government as he embarks on this new chapter.
Throughout his tenure in Cayce, Crosland has focused on enhancing the city through initiatives in economic development and building community partnerships. His leadership has been significant as the city navigates a challenging period marked by considerable turnover in its management staff, which has included the loss of two police chiefs and two city managers within the past year.
This series of administrative changes has attracted media attention, with the Cayce City Council encountering tensions during a May 21 meeting as they discussed how to approach the hiring process for Crosland’s successor. Criticism concerning transparency has also arisen following recent leadership changes within the city.
In light of these transitions, Irmo officials have expressed optimism regarding Crosland’s ability to effectively lead the town into the future. To support him in his new role, Doug Polen has been appointed as the deputy administrator in Irmo, tasked with aiding Crosland in day-to-day operations and strategic initiatives.
Crosland’s educational background includes degrees in criminal justice, further supporting his extensive experience in municipal operations and law enforcement leadership. As the city of Cayce stands on the cusp of yet another leadership shift, leaders within both Cayce and Irmo prepare for the changes ahead, eager to maintain stability and continue their respective missions for community development.
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Additional Resources
- The State
- Wikipedia: Cayce, South Carolina
- Post and Courier
- Google Search: Irmo town administrator
- WLTX
- Google Scholar: Crosland Jim retirement
- The State
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Local Government
