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Beaufort County Welcomes New CFO Pinky Harriott in Bid for Financial Transparency and Accountability

Beaufort County Welcomes New CFO Pinky Harriott in Bid for Financial Transparency and Accountability

Beaufort County: A New Era of Financial Accountability Begins

In the charming town of Beaufort, locals are buzzing with optimism as Pinkey Harriott steps into her role as the county’s new chief financial officer. Having officially taken the reins on November 25, 2024, Harriott’s return promises to bring a fresh wave of transparency and accountability to a county that has faced its fair share of challenges.

A Homegrown Leader Eager to Make a Change

Pinky Harriott is not just another name in the county’s leadership. She is deeply rooted in Beaufort, having spent most of her life in the area. After a decade of living elsewhere, her return was fueled by a desire to contribute positively to her hometown. “I grew up here. I went to school here,” she shared, reflecting on her commitment to the community. “I’m ready to turn the page. I’m really tired of hearing negative, nasty things about our county and unfortunate things that have occurred in the past.”

Confronting the Past Head-On

Taking on the role of CFO wasn’t just about crunching numbers for Harriott; it was about tackling the elephant in the room. She acknowledged the troubling legacy left behind by former County Administrator Eric Greenway, under whose administration numerous allegations of financial mismanagement and misconduct came to light. “There’s no secret here. The past year-and-a-half has been horrible,” she said, referring to the issues that plagued the county during his tenure.

Greenway’s administration came crashing down amidst accusations of procurement violations and even sensational claims involving inappropriate relationships. Many in the community are eager to move on, and Harriott is poised to help them do just that.

Charting a Course Towards Transparency

As the new CFO, Harriott has a comprehensive plan to restore the public’s trust. She knows that increasing transparency is key to moving forward. To that end, she is preparing to revive an invaluable digital resource, the online budget book, which was unfortunately replaced with a more conventional paper version when she left the county previously. “The digital budget book will include details about the county’s capital projects,” Harriott stated, emphasizing her commitment to making county spending clear and open to scrutiny.

Building on Past Successes

Harriott is no stranger to the financial landscape of Beaufort. Before joining the University of South Carolina Beaufort as the assistant vice chancellor of finance and human resources, she served as the county’s budget director. During her previous stint with the county, she achieved noteworthy milestones, including the implementation of the county’s first digital budget book, earning accolades in the form of the GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.

A Commitment to the Community

Working alongside County Administrator Michael Moore, who took office earlier this year, Harriott feels align with the vision for revitalizing the county’s operations. They share a mutual goal of enhancing transparency and building a government that residents can trust. Harriott’s ethos shines through her statements, asserting, “The biggest thing for me is gaining back public trust.”

A New Chapter for Beaufort

As Pinky Harriott settles into her new role, the residents of Beaufort County are hoping for brighter days ahead. With leadership that prioritizes ethical financial management and open communication, it seems that this beloved community may finally be on the path to restoring its reputation. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about the people, their trust, and the future of everyone in Beaufort.

As positive changes unfold in the county, one can’t help but feel the excitement in the air. After all, a fresh page can mean a brighter story for Beaufort.


Beaufort County Welcomes New CFO Pinky Harriott in Bid for Financial Transparency and Accountability

HERE Beaufort
Author: HERE Beaufort

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