Former Greenville County Administrator and Newberry College associate professor Gerald Seals is Richland County government’s new chief executive after the County Council recently appointed him to serve as the interim Richland County Administrator.

Seals started in the new role July 1 to replace Tony McDonald, who retired in June. McDonald, whose career with Richland County spanned 30 years, was appointed to the administrator position in 2013. The County has started the process to find a new permanent administrator.

“We’re fortunate to have someone with Mr. Seals’ experience on board to guide the County during this transition,” said Richland County Council Chairman Torrey Rush. “His leadership and insight will be invaluable to staff and Council during this time.”

Seals has an extensive background in municipal management. He served as the county administrator in Greenville County from 1993 to 1999 and in similar executive roles across the nation, to include local governments in Oregon, Ohio and Illinois. He has provided management consultation to several other organizations, including the Army Staff Management College.

He has founded and owned several businesses and has authored several publications and articles on business, management and government, including the book, “Taming City Hall: Rightsizing for Results.” Seals latest book, “Thoughts on Life,” will be released this fall. As an associate professor at Newberry College, Seals, who is on sabbatical while serving as the interim county administrator, teaches business ethics, international management, strategic management and more.

Seals is a graduate of Columbia’s Eau Claire High School. He attended the University of South Carolina, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in government and public administration. He also has a master’s degree in philosophy and ethics from the University of Denver, graduate course work in community development-municipal administration from Southern Illinois University and a doctorate (all but dissertation) in business from Capella University.

Seals also serves as pastor of the Living Word Church and Fellowship in Columbia.