Our quarterly speaker series continues this week with Mayor Reggie Burgess of North Charleston.

Some may have anticipated the normal status of city government type of update, but we got to know Mayor Burgess as a man. From his early days when his mother was a single parent raising Reggie and his brother Brian, to then a stepfather, Mr. Willy, who changed his life forever and was a huge influence on the man he is today! He then moved on to becoming a star running back for Morgan State University and later returned home to serve on the North Charleston Police Department for 34 years, retiring in 2023 as Police Chief. There is much to talk about with changes in the City of North Charleston, redevelopment of the naval base, the Coast Guard establishing their East Coast Headquarters, and the SCPA redevelopment of the current Westvaco paper mill. And if that was not enough, let’s add on rebuilding the Don Holt Bridge, widening I-526, and dredging the Cooper River channel. As a former Police Chief, Burgess places a strong emphasis on public safety, working to reduce violent crime and collaborating with residents and agencies to improve overall safety and quality of life. A very impressive presentation by a truly remarkable man whose focus is truly helping and serving all the people of North Charleston.

The Daniel Island Speaker Series is a community-oriented event designed to engage residents with insightful discussions and presentations from various speakers. This series is jointly sponsored by the Rotary Club of Daniel Island and the Daniel Island Community Fund and has been running for several years, showcasing diverse topics and notable figures. The series aims to foster community engagement by addressing relevant topics and encouraging dialogue among residents. It provides a platform for local leaders, experts, and community members to connect and share knowledge, thereby enhancing the cultural fabric of Daniel Island.