Barry Spivey, a long-term Horry County Government leader, has been selected as the next County Administrator for Horry County. Spivey will formally adopt the role on January 1, 2025.
In his first moments after selection, Spivey focused on gratitude and appreciation.
“Thank you for your confidence in our team and this opportunity,” Spivey said. “I am first and foremost a servant, and I am both humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve this Council, my team, every employee of our County, and this Community.”
Asked about what comes next, Spivey highlighted the teamwork and shared mission that continue to push Horry County toward new horizons:
“We are truly blessed as an organization and as a community. We, as a team, look forward to continuing our commitment to excellence in the services we provide this community as responsible stewards of our taxpayer’s money. Our employees are our team’s greatest resource and essential to the services we provide our citizens. We will work together as a team to accomplish the critical needs for infrastructure, public safety, and constituent services for our community.”
Spivey will replace outgoing County Administrator Steve Gosnell. Gosnell’s contract ends in December 2024.
“He is a tremendous asset to the County,” Spivey said. “I don’t know of any individual who, over their career, has had such influence and impact in Horry County as Steve Gosnell. He is a great mentor—we can learn from him and try to carry that forward. We still have a lot to accomplish between now and the time that Steve does plan to retire, so we will be working together in that regard.”
During a special-called meeting Tuesday, Horry County Council was unanimous in their selection of Spivey for the role.
“I want to thank my wife, children, and family for their support and encouragement, without which I could not serve,” Spivey said.
Spivey has served as the Assistant County Administrator for Administration since Summer 2019. From 2011 to 2019, he was the Horry County Finance Director, a role in which he oversaw high level budget development and cross-departmental capital projects implementation. Prior to joining the County, Spivey worked as the Chief Financial Officer for the Burroughs & Chapin Company for 22 years. Spivey received his MBA from Coastal Carolina University.
The future Assistant Administrator for Administration, whom will fill Spivey’s previous role upon his adoption of the County Administrator role, will be determined through a collaborative effort at a later date.
