Fox Simons is set to become Myrtle Beach's next city manager

Myrtle Beach City Council met this afternoon and selected Jonathan Fox Simons, Jr., to succeed John Pedersen as city manager.  Simons joined the city nearly six years ago and is the current deputy city manager.  He was one of three finalists for the manager’s position.  If Simons and Council agree on a contract, he will become manager on January 7, 2021.  Pedersen is retiring after six years as the manager and 12 as the assistant city manager. 

Prior to joining the City of Myrtle Beach, Simons had been city administrator in Easley, SC, since 2006.  He previously worked for the City of Greenville in progressively responsible roles, including budget administrator, interim finance director and assistant director of management and budget.  He received his master’s of public administration from The American University in Washington, D.C., in 1995, and a bachelor of arts from High Point University in North Carolina in 1993.

Myrtle Beach has a council-manager form of government.  The seven-member City Council makes laws and sets the policy and direction for city government.  The city manager is appointed by Council to oversee day-to-day operations and supervise staff.  The City of Myrtle Beach has more than 900 full-time staff members and a current budget of $193.7 million.