29 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com exponential growth of visitors has required all of us in the town government to reconsider the scope of public safety we provide, the amount of sanitation services, the sizes of homes we allow, the number of beach access points, parking for daily use and a lot more to keep up with the demand.” When asked about the most rewarding part of the job, Benke said it was the same as his biggest challenge: helping maintain the charm of the island while making room for growth. “Being able to contribute to the community where I grew up in a way that helps preserve its special sense of place is what I have liked most,” Benke said. “And in my way of thinking, nothing in that regard or in any form of our town government has ever really been accomplished individually.” To that end, Benke’s successor is Sullivan’s Island Deputy Administrator Joe Henderson. Having been with the town since June 2013 in a variety of roles, Henderson said his interest in the position stems straight from Benke himself. “I couldn’t have had a better mentor, coach and guide over the past 11 years,” Henderson said. “And I truly thank Andy for all his wisdom and patience.” Going forward, Henderson will not only be able to draw from Benke’s example, but from considerable experience. In addition to assisting Benke, Henderson has also handled town special projects, citizen requests, building and zoning, the creation or revision of town policies and procedures, contract negotiation, annual budget planning, special event planning and capital improvements. Over the last several years, Henderson has also been instrumental in town expansion with construction of a new town hall, new fire station, maintenance storage facility and garage and a complete reconstruction of the town’s wastewater treatment facility. “As we experience the forces of new development and change, it is critical that we ensure that Sullivan’s Island retains its sense of place and history,” Henderson said. When asked about assuming his new role, Henderson said he was very lucky to be in the right place at the right time – with Benke as the right predecessor. “As someone who was born and raised on Sullivan’s Island, his insight and institutional knowledge has been invaluable to the folks of the island as well as the staff that have worked with him,” Henderson added. “I can only hope to be able to fill his shoes and carry the mantle for the old island families as well as the newcomers.” our town LIVE LOVE LEARN 1183 Russell Drive, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843.884.4721 www.coksm.org EDUCATING THE CHRIST OUR KING - STELLA MARIS SCHOOL WHOLE CHILD OVER 70 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE With a catholic foundation
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