Beaufort’s city manager leaving job after 7 years. Saying goodbye won’t be easy, he says

Beaufort City Manager Bill Prokop, who led the city for more than seven years, is retiring. He made the announcement in an emotional statement at the close of the City Council meeting Tuesday.

During his tenure with Beaufort, Prokop oversaw the establishment of a strategic plan and pushed for improved customer service. He also advocated for employee development and succession planning and a systematic approach to fixing the city’s outdated stormwater drainage systems.

Prokop will end his tenure with the city in early January. He said he wants to spend time with his grandchildren and “just enjoy some free time” but added he has mixed feelings about leaving.

“I will miss members of the staff ... “ said Prokop before pausing to apologize as he choked up with emotion, “relationships that I built with many members of this community, but I know it’s time.”

Prokop thanked members of the City Council and previous councils “for having the trust and confidence in me and that let me run a great city.”

The city manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the city, a $28 million budget and long-term strategic planning. They report to the City Council.

Prokop was named city manager in February 2015, succeeding Scott Dadson. He began his tenure with the city in March 2014 as director of human resources. He came to Beaufort from Keene, New Hampshire, where he had been an assistant city manager and HR director.

At the meeting, Mayor Stephen Murray jokingly called for a motion to reject the city manager’s retirement.

“We’re going to miss you,” Murray said.

Few leaders, Murray said in a news release, demonstrate Prokop’s compassion, work ethic and strategic focus.

“His tenure leaves the city better than he found it, and will have generational impact, for which I am extremely grateful,” Murray said.

The job opening will be immediately advertised nationally, the city said, with the application ending Oct. 21. The Municipal Association of South Carolina will help screen candidates and recommend finalists. The finalists will go through an interview process that will be established by City Council.

The city hopes to have a new city manager named by early January 2023.

As Beaufort city manager, Prokop also was involved in economic development initiatives including establishment of the Beaufort Digital Corridor and South Coast Cyber Center; construction and leasing of a spec building in Beaufort Commerce Park; working with Beaufort Memorial Hospital, the University of South Carolina Beaufort, and the Technical College of the Lowcountry on workforce issues; and the city’s commitment to a regional affordable housing trust fund.

Prokop began a second career in municipal government in 2002, when he was named the Antrim, New Hampshire, town administrator. For much of his professional career, he was a manager and executive both domestically and internationally for Berol Corp. (Eagle Pencil Co.), followed by launching his own office equipment manufacturing company, Graphic & Office Products Inc. (Dahle USA).