Augusta Mayor-elect Garnett Johnson has selected a chamber of commerce executive to serve as his chief of staff.
Johnson announced Tuesday he picked Jasmine Sims, a veteran educator who joined the Metro Augusta Chamber of Commerce as associate vice president for workforce solutions in 2021.
“I’m excited to have Jasmine leading my team as chief of staff,” Johnson said in a statement. “Her leadership skills, commitment to our education system and passion for the City of Augusta will be an asset to my administration as we work together to serve residents of this city.”
With the chamber, Sims managed the job market platform talent2work.net and managed policies and strategies for the chamber’s Business Education Advisory Council, which identifies ways the business community can help the Richmond County school system. The council’s committees cover topics such as experiential learning, digital inclusion, virtual learning, soft skills, high demand careers and funding development, the statement said.
Before joining the chamber Sims was a Richmond County educator for 20 years. Her last role was career, technical and agricultural education (CTAE) specialist, serving as a middle school adviser on high school pathway programs and post-secondary education options. She conducted professional development for teachers in areas that included the use of digital content, varied instructional delivery methods and collaborative learning networks.
Sims has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing from South Carolina State University, an MBA from Troy University and an education specialist degree in educational leadership from Augusta University.
Sims joins Johnson’s team at a pivotal time for the mayor’s office as Johnson takes over for Mayor Hardie Davis, who was term-limited. The mayor-elect is a self-made business owner with little government experience. Davis created the position of chief of staff for the mayor’s office. In one of few positions in Augusta government that report directly to the mayor, Davis employed Lynthia Ross, Tonia Gibbons, Marcus Campbell and Petula Burks in the role over his two terms.
“The constituents of Augusta-Richmond County deserve the very best in support from its leadership. This happens with the investment of time and being open and honest about our challenges,” Sims said. “I look forward to leading Mayor-elect Johnson’s administration and helping secure the continuum of greatness in the city of Augusta.”
MORE:North Augusta mom took drugs near baby & killed the child, police say
Public invited to oath ceremony Dec. 20
Johnson is inviting the public to attend his swearing-in ceremony, where a judge will administer his oath of office. The ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. Dec. 20 in the Lee N. Beard Commission chamber on the second floor of Augusta Municipal Building. A reception will follow.
In a statement, Johnson said he is “excited” to serve as Augusta’s 85th mayor.
“I want all residents to know that my administration will be open and here for you. I look forward to working to bring positive change to the city. It’s time for us to unite for the greater good of Augusta and this region,” he said.
Johnson was educated in Richmond County schools and has a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in management from Augusta University. He owns two office furniture and office supply businesses, Augusta Office Solutions and Modern Business Workplace Solutions.
Johnson takes office Jan. 1, 2023.
Susan McCord is a staff writer with The Augusta Press. Reach her at susan@theaugustapress.com
