The Town of Kingstree is governed by a Mayor and Town Council who are elected by the people of the Town. The Mayor and Town Council acting together are the Governing Body. All Governing Body members serve four-year terms. The Governing Body, being the elected representative of the people, adopts all ordinances and resolutions and determines the general goals and policies.
Regular meeting of the Council is the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30 pm at Town Hall.
Darren Tisdale became Kingstree’s mayor on January 4, 2016. He served as a councilmember representing District 3 before winning the town-wide election for mayor.
He was born here in Williamsburg County. His family ran the Red and White for years. Darren graduated from Kingstree Senior High in 1985. He worked with Santee Co-Op for over 19 years. Darren then bought and ran Tisdale’s produce, better known as the fruit stand. Darren currently owns and operates Williamsburg Lawn Care. He and his wife, Pam McKenzie Tisdale have 3 children. Bryant and his wife live in Oklahoma City. Cole is a US Marine and lives with his wife and child in Jacksonville, NC. His daughter DeAnna Tisdale is newly married. The Tisdale family is very involved in international missions. They have visited Serbia and Romania where they served in local churches and ministered directly to the leadership in each church.
Reverend Frankie White was born to Mr. and Mrs. Eddie and Betty White. His educational journey began at Kingstree High School, where he laid the foundation for his future endeavors. Afterward, he pursued higher education at Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology. Reverend White’s quest for knowledge and spiritual enlightenment led him to Master’s International School of Divinity in Evansville, Indiana, where he obtained a doctorate in divinity. This academic pursuit speaks to his deep-rooted faith and dedication to serving his congregation and community with wisdom and compassion. As a testament to his devotion to his faith, Reverend White has been pastoring for an impressive 43 years, offering spiritual guidance and support to those in need. Currently, he serves as the esteemed pastor of Briggs A.M.E. Church in Manning, South Carolina.
In addition to his pastoral duties, Reverend White is an active member of various organizations, reflecting his commitment to social activism and community engagement. As a lifetime member of the NAACP and a member of the Allen University Alumni Association and Master’s International of Divinity Alumni Association, he continues to advocate for equality, justice, and education. His involvement in fraternal organizations such as Phi Beta Sigma Inc. and his standing as a Master Mason 244, Holy Royal Arks, and 32 Degree Mason, highlight his dedication to brotherhood, service, and personal growth.
Councilman White is married to Helen Thomas-White, and together they have raised three children—Terrance, Fredrena, and Tay—and are blessed with five grandchildren. Throughout his life and career, Reverend White has embodied his motto: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This guiding principle underscores his belief in treating others with fairness, kindness, and respect.Â
Dr. Michelle Butterworth is serving her second term as councilmember for District 2. She is a podiatric foot and ankle surgeon certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery in foot surgery and reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery. She has lived in Kingstree, SC for over 16 years. Although Dr. Butterworth grew up in Baltimore, MD, she calls Kingstree her home now. She loves working in this rural area where she is needed and truly enjoys helping make a difference in her patient’s lives. She is excited to represent the people in her area and serve her community.
Dr. Butterworth currently practices medicine at the Pee Dee Foot Center. She serves as the Chief of the Medical Staff at Williamsburg Regional Hospital. She is active on committees for the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, the South Carolina Podiatric Medical Association, the Podiatry Insurance Company of America, and the American Academy of Foot and Ankle Osteosynthesis. She is currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Podiatry Institute.
Dr. Butterworth is involved with our community and started a non-profit organization called Kingstree Kids, which provides toys at Christmas time for needy children of Williamsburg County and necessities year round for families in need. She also started a Cross Country team at Williamsburg Academy and will be one of the coaches for their track and field team.
Mr. Fitts took office in January 2022. Bio information is coming soon.
C. M. (Bubba) Hammet Jr. is serving his third term as council member for District 5. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and is currently a Customer Service Representative with FTC (Farmers Telephone Cooperative).
Hammet has served as president, board member and is currently vice-president of the Williamsburg Historical Society, a board member of Keep Williamsburg Beautiful, and a member of the Revolving Loan Committee, a sub-committee of the Waccamaw Regional Council of Governments.
Stan Williamson is serving his first term as councilmember for District 6.
Stan was born and raised in Kingstree and Williamsburg County. He graduated from Williamsburg Academy in 1982 and the University of South Carolina in 1986 and immediately started working for Santee Electric Cooperative.
Stan served on the Board of Directors of Williamsburg Academy for 19 years and on the Williamsburg County Development Corporation for 8 years, the last 4 as Chairman. After a career of over 30 years at Santee Electric Cooperative, he is now employed by Palmetto Synthetics as the Manager of Human Resources. He is also currently serving as the Chairman of the Town of Kingstree Development Corporation and is a member of the Williamsburg Hometown Chamber Board of Directors.
Stan and his wife Lori have been married for 30 years and have two children, Matthew, an attorney in Charleston, SC, and Ann Louise, a senior at Clemson University. Stan and Lori attend and are active in their Church, Kingstree United Methodist.
