Stephen K. Benjamin

Stephen K. Benjamin
36th Mayor of Columbia
Assumed office
July 2010
Preceded by Bob Coble
Personal details
Born Stephen Keith Benjamin
(1969-12-01) December 1, 1969
Queens, New York, U.S.
Political party Democratic
Spouse(s) DeAndrea Gist Benjamin
Residence Columbia, South Carolina, U.S.
Alma mater University of South Carolina

Stephen Keith "Steve" Benjamin (born December 1, 1969) is the mayor of Columbia, South Carolina. He started his first term in July 2010, and is the first black mayor in the city's history. Before serving as mayor, he worked in the Columbia metropolitan area as an attorney and served on various charitable organizations. On November 5, 2013, Benjamin won re-election for mayor with 64% of the vote.[1]

Early life, education, and career

Benjamin's parents are from Orangeburg, South Carolina, but relocated in the 1960s during the Great Migration and moved to Queens, New York, where Benjamin was born. Benjamin spent his childhood growing up in New York City where his parents, Sam and Maggie Benjamin, worked numerous jobs to support Steve and his elder brother Samuel. After a stable adolescence in New York, Benjamin relocated to Columbia where he was admitted into the University of South Carolina to study Political Science.

During his studies, Benjamin became active in many student organizations that influenced his career path. He was actively involved in the student chapter of NAACP, eventually becoming president. Benjamin was also elected as student body president during his undergraduate career and went on to become president of the University of South Carolina School of Law student bar association during his third year. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.

Previous positions and works

Benjamin was the principal of the Benjamin Law Firm, LLC, in Columbia, SC where his practice emphasized governmental strategic planning, administrative and regulatory work, municipal finance and general business matters.

On March 2, 1999, Benjamin was appointed to the Governor's Cabinet by Governor Jim Hodges serving as the Director of the South Carolina Probation, Pardon, and Parole Services. Benjamin has also served as the Regional Manager of Public Affairs for International Paper Company, Manager of Corporate Affairs at Carolina Power & Light Company. He additionally worked as an Associate in the Administrative and Regulatory practice of the prominent McNair Law Firm in Columbia, South Carolina.

Personal life

Benjamin is married to DeAndrea Gist Benjamin, who serves as a Judge in South Carolina's Fifth Judicial Circuit. Together they have two daughters, Bethany and Jordan Grace.[2]

Recognition and awards

Community Involvement

References

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