Richland County officially welcomed two new council members into office Thursday and swore in four others who were re-elected in the November election. Council also re-elected Councilwoman Jesica Mackey as chair and Councilman Derrek Pugh as vice chair.
The ceremonial swearing-in event took place at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Newcomers Tyra Little (District 3) and Tish Dozier Alleyne (District 8) both took the oath of office for the first time. Returning council members Pugh (District 2) and Mackey (District 9) were also sworn in, along with Gretchen D. Barron (District 7) and Cheryl English (District 10).
The swearing-in ceremony can be streamed via the County’s YouTube page.
Both Mackey and Pugh are entering their second terms on council. The council members both won their seats in the 2020 election and were previously elected as chair and vice chair in 2024.
During council’s special called meeting night, Mackey thanked her fellow council members for re-electing her as chair. “I appreciate your vote of confidence to serve again as your chair for 2025. I have enjoyed working alongside each of you and look forward to serving alongside our two new council members.”
The County council chair and vice chair maintain order during council meetings, decide which items make it onto agendas and often represent council at public functions.
“I want to thank my colleagues for believing in me and having the faith to allow me to lead as vice chair,” Pugh said. “I look forward to us continuing to work hard for the citizens of Richland County.”
County council consists of 11 members who are elected from single-member districts for four-year terms beginning January 1 of the year after their election. In January, council elects a chair and vice chair, who serve one-year terms.
All other sitting council members, Jason Branham (District 1), Paul Livingston (District 4), Allison Terracio (District 5), Don Weaver (District 6), and Chakisse Newton (District 11), will continue to serve their current terms.
From left, council members Gretchen D. Barron (District 7), Tish Dozier Alleyne (District 8), Cheryl English (District 10), Jesica Mackey (District 9), Tyra Little (District 3), and Derrek Pugh (District 2) took the oath of office Thursday.
