“This is, foremost, the beginning of a period of transition. We have much work to accomplish over the next eight months and this announcement creates a framework in which to do that,” Driggers said. “After more than 30 years of public service and 13 years in the private sector, I look forward to this next chapter in my life. I am so proud of the things we have accomplished over the past 20 years – none of which could have been done without the dedicated team I have the privilege to work with.”
Driggers was hired by the City of Greer as its chief administrative officer in 2000 to manage the day-to-day operations of the city by supervising, directing, and evaluating the work of City department managers. Reporting directly to Greer City Council Council, he has been responsible for developing and implementing City policies and procedures to ensure the proper and responsible management of all City operations, resources, and services.
He also is responsible for administering the City budget and performing required financial reporting.
“One of my first acts as mayor in 2000 was to hire a city administrator during a period when the City of Greer was changing dramatically. Ed Driggers not only brought stability to our organization but also helped plan and execute the blueprint that today has made Greer one of the most dynamic cities in South Carolina,” City of Greer Mayor Rick Danner said. “Ed will leave a tremendous legacy and Greer City Council will begin a search to locate the individual who, as city administrator, will help write the next chapter in our city’s history.”
One of the fastest growing cities in South Carolina, the City of Greer has experienced population growth of more than 75% during Driggers’ tenure. To help meet the demands of that growing population, a new $23 million municipal complex that included Greer City Hall, Greer City Park, and the Police and Court Complex opened in 2008
Driggers has also worked to help revive Greer's historic central business district known as Greer Station, which today is home to world-class restaurants, quaint retail outlets, and vendors offering outstanding personal and professional services. The CenterG Streetscape Project, which has replaced outdated infrastructure and brought an innovative shared street design to Greer Station, is scheduled for completion next spring.
Work will begin in early 2020 on a downtown municipal parking garage adjacent to a new hotel.
Driggers served as chair of the Partnership for Tomorrow's Greer Community Master Plan committee that worked with the Greater Greer Community on the current plan adopted in 2015 to create a more livable community by enhancing cultural activities and establishing an environment for growth and development opportunities.
One of Greenville Business Magazine’s “50 Most Influential” community leaders, Driggers has been active in numerous professional organizations. He has served on the boards of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and the Municipal Association of South Carolina (MASC) and is a past president of the South Carolina City and County Management Association (SCCCMA).
His local service includes the Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Greer Development Corporation Board of Directors, the Partnership For Tomorrow Board of Directors, the BMW Community Advisory Panel, and the Mitsubishi Polyester Film Corporation Community Advisory Panel. He also was appointed by the S.C. General Assembly to the Winthrop University Board of Trustees.