County Council head gets tourism post

Charleston County Council Chairman Teddie Pryor has been hired as North Charleston's new full-time director of tourism, but he won't be giving up his top elected spot as he shifts work duties.

Pryor was hired by Mayor Keith Summey to take over the office charged with increasing tourism visits and dollars. His first day was this week.

Pryor's resume indicates no previous experience in tourism-related activities. He operates a towing business and automotive repair shop, which he plans to close this month.

Summey said Pryor, a lifetime North Charleston resident, has shown an enthusiasm for the city that made him right for the job.

"It's his work ethic and belief that North Charleston has something to sell," Summey said.

The two have been talking about the post for several months. Summey also noted that the previous person who held the position also came on board without a tourism background.

Among Pryor's duties will be promoting the city's Fire Museum, working with the convention and visitor's bureau, pushing area hotels and the Tanger Outlet mall, the Hunley conservation site, and suggesting the waterfront and former Navy base complex as a military reunion visitation site.

Pryor is the second member of his family to have a vocal role with North Charleston. His brother Spencer Pryor is public information officer at the police department.

Teddie Pryor, 53, said his lack of tourism experience shouldn't be a strike against him, saying his strengths include his skills as a salesman.

"I think it's an easy sell," he said of the city. Pryor's salary is in the range of $45,000 to $50,000, Summey said. He will work out of the mayor's office.

Summey said that possible ethical conflicts already have been investigated. Cathy Hazelwood, general counsel for the State Ethics Commission, said that Pryor, as a member of County Council, would have to abstain from any matter that has a direct influence on his salary in his new position, but not on every matter that comes before council that touches on North Charleston.

Pryor graduated from North Charleston High School and Trident Technical College. He has served on County Council for about six years and is in his second term as chairman.

Pryor's hiring comes as Charleston County Council has taken a noticeable power swing toward North Charleston. Summey's son, Elliott Summey, is a County Council member who was named vice chairman last week.

Also, North Charleston City Councilman Kurt Taylor is a county deputy administrator in charge of transportation projects, and works closely with the County Council.

Other power shifts include that Mayor Summey became chairman of the executive committee of the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments in 2009. Teddie Pryor was Charleston County Council's representative on that committee in 2009.

Summey also served on County Council before becoming mayor.

David Slade contributed to this report. Reach Schuyler Kropf at 937-5551 or skropf@postandcourier.com.