Charleston Reporter

This week, Mayor William Cogswell released the City of Charleston’s newly updated organizational structure aimed at enhancing efficiency and improving customer service for its residents. This initiative marks the first substantial update to the city's organizational chart in nearly half a century, demonstrating the administration's commitment to putting residents first and ensuring sound governance.

Previously, the city's 26 departments and Offices of the Mayor operated independently. The updated structure consolidates these into four main sections: Facilities & Capital Projects; Community Services; Planning, Permitting & Engineering; and Public Works. This reorganization aims to streamline operations and cut through bureaucratic red tape.

The city welcomes back Tim Keane, who brings over two decades of urban planning expertise to his role as head of the Planning, Permitting & Engineering Section. With a career spanning over 16 years with the city prior to 2015, Keane has since lent his expertise to guiding municipalities across North America in their city planning initiatives. This section will house Stormwater, Planning & Preservation, Housing & Community Development, as well as the Engineering, Permit Center, and Building Inspections divisions.

Dan Riccio, drawing from 37 years of experience with the City of Charleston, will lead the Community Services section. From patrol officer to SWAT team supervisor, Dan retired from the Charleston Police Department as a Lieutenant in 2010 before becoming Director of Livability. In his new role, Dan will continue prioritizing residents' needs while providing oversight and regulation to the city’s tourism industry. The Community Services Section will encompass Livability & Tourism and Recreation departments as well as Economic & Neighborhood Services division and Mayor’s Offices of Cultural Affairs and Children, Youth, and Families.

Robert Somerville has been with the city since 2016 and will be elevated to head the city's new Public Works section. Starting as a Signs and Marking Technician II, he pursued his passion for customer service and leadership after experience as a professional baseball player with the Baltimore Orioles minor league organization. Somerville's dedication guides his approach to leading Public Works which includes Traffic & Transportation and Public Service departments.

Jason Kronsberg will lead Facilities & Capital Projects Section. Kronsberg has been with the city since 2010 initially as a Construction Project Manager. With a background as a licensed Landscape Architect and over a decade in private practice, he brings extensive experience in various aspects of design and development. Jason will guide stewardship and enhancement of public parks and facilities based on his deep connection to recreational programming.

"For the first time in nearly 50 years our city’s organizational chart has been updated to make us more responsive for our residents," said Mayor William Cogswell. "By breaking down silos and increasing communication across departments we can increase efficiency and effectiveness of our incredible staff. Here at the city we aim to provide great service to our residents this move helps us do just that."

This updated organizational chart will be reflected on the city’s website in coming months making navigating services easier for residents business owners. This initiative is budget-neutral funded through surpluses eliminated inefficiencies found in budget after staff analysis.

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