Simpsonville names Dianna Gracely city administrator

Simpsonville introduced its new city administrator Thursday during an announcement at City Hall. 

Dianna Gracely, who is currently the city administrator of Travelers Rest, will begin her new position in Simpsonville March 1. She will fill the position left vacant in August when former City Administrator Eddie Case died. 

"Our City Council has a strong vision for Simpsonville and we have great confidence in Ms. Gracely. Her background, leadership and experience — she's going to execute our vision for Simpsonville moving forward," Simpsonville Mayor Janis Curtis said. 

Gracely has worked in Travelers Rest for 13 years. Prior to that, she was the city administrator in Landrum, a program manager at the Appalachian Council of Governments and the legislative/governmental affairs manager for the Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce. 

"I'm very excited for this opportunity. I want to assure the mayor, council and all of the employees, citizens of Simpsonville, business owners, that I will put my best effort into this and I think we're going to make great strides," Gracely said. "I know Council has a vision and I'm very excited about working closely with them on prioritizing those goals and moving forward."

Gracely has helped oversee the revitalization of Main Street in Travelers Rest, the conversion of the Swamp Rabbit Trail, the construction of Trailblazer Park and the modernization of city services, according to a statement from the city of Simpsonville. 

Simpsonville Fire Chief Wesley Williams served as interim city administrator while the city worked to fill the position permanently. In a statement, Williams said serving as city administrator was an honor and welcomed Gracely to Simpsonville.