Mollie J. Conner has built a purposeful career in public administration defined by a strong commitment to civic engagement, community collaboration and effective local governance. As annexation planner for the City of Charleston in South Carolina, she plays a vital role in shaping the city’s growth and development by guiding property owners through the annexation process and helping them understand the benefits of incorporation. Her responsibilities include initiating conversations with residents in unincorporated areas, presenting annexation petitions to the city council and staff, and ensuring clear communication with stakeholders. She also works closely with the mayor and city council members to align annexation initiatives with broader municipal priorities, manages the logistical and administrative aspects of annexation projects, and engages with the Municipal Association of South Carolina to incorporate best practices into her work.
Ms. Conner’s educational background has been instrumental in preparing her for success in public administration. She earned a Master of Public Administration from Western Carolina University, which provided her with in-depth knowledge of public sector management, policy development and organizational leadership. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in political science with a minor in business administration from the same institution, building a strong foundation in governance, policy analysis and strategic decision-making. Her professional achievements have been recognized through numerous awards, including the Best Practices Award from the Municipal Association of South Carolina and Employee of the Month from the City of Charleston. She was also honored with the Western North Carolina Leasing Agent of the Year Award during her time at Southwood Realty Company.
Before assuming her current position, Ms. Conner worked as a permit technician for the City of Charleston, assisting individuals seeking business licenses and ensuring compliance with city policies. This role deepened her understanding of municipal operations and public service, reinforcing her commitment to making government processes more accessible and efficient. Earlier in her career, she developed strong organizational and leadership skills in the property management sector. As assistant property manager at Southwood Realty Company, she oversaw daily operations, addressed tenant needs, coordinated maintenance and supported leasing activities. Her previous experience as a leasing specialist allowed her to refine her communication and marketing abilities while helping maintain high occupancy rates and positive tenant relationships.
Ms. Conner’s professional journey also includes valuable experience in academia. As a graduate research and teaching assistant at Western Carolina University, she contributed to research projects and supported faculty in delivering coursework, laying the foundation for her analytical and project management skills. She also demonstrated leadership and creativity as director of marketing and public relations for the university’s Student Government Association, managing communication strategies, promoting student initiatives and enhancing campus engagement. Additionally, her work as a recruitment ambassador enabled her to represent the university at events and assist prospective students throughout the admissions process.
Ms. Conner attributes much of her success to perseverance and a refusal to settle for mediocrity. These qualities, combined with her resourcefulness, have earned her a reputation as a dependable professional who consistently exceeds expectations. Her involvement in student government, journalism, and band during college sparked a lifelong interest in leadership and public service, while a pivotal meeting with the city manager of Hendersonville cemented her decision to pursue a career in public administration.
Looking ahead, Ms. Conner has ambitious goals for both her professional and personal life. She plans to become a first-time homeowner, continue developing her event planning and mentorship initiatives, and take on a leadership role with a youth group at Seacoast Church, an endeavor she finds deeply fulfilling. As she continues to advance in her career, she remains committed to making a lasting impact on her community, driven by a passion for service and a vision of building stronger, more connected neighborhoods.