Besides serving as head of municipal government in a variety of specific roles, one critical duty of a city mayor is to keep a balance in the community among business, growth, quality of life, public services and, in the case of Isle of Palms, tourism.
On June 4 at the Charleston Gaillard Center, Explore Charleston recognized IOP Mayor Phillip Pounds’ attention to this delicate balance, presenting him with the 2025 Lawrimore-Craven Leadership Award, an annual accolade honoring elected officials who go above and beyond in their support of area tourism.
“Mayor Pounds is a remarkable leader who lives the power of collaboration and carries a thankful spirit,” said Helen Hill, president and CEO of Explore Charleston. “He is the first to remind people that other communities would love to have our perceived problems.”
Kourtney Jones, Explore Charleston’s director of media relations, added that while Pounds was selected for numerous reasons, the main factor involved the development of a workable plan for managing the challenges of future tourism.
“Through his leadership, diverse voices throughout the community have been united in the city’s first Tourism Management Plan,” Jones said. “He has worked and continues to work with residents, local businesses and the community at large to initiate projects that address the community’s needs today and for the future.”
The award, established in 2000, is given to elected officials or government employees for their support of a growing tourism industry in Greater Charleston.
In 2024, the travel segment of this industry grew to a record $14.03 billion. Tourism also accounted for almost one quarter of all sales – 23.5% – and a further record 54,900 area residents employed in the hospitality and tourism sector.
sA total of seven area leaders were honored during Explore Charleston’s Travel Council Annual Luncheon, attended by more than 450 business and civic leaders.
“I’m truly honored,” Pounds said. “This recognition is a reflection of our city’s shared commitment to thoughtful governance and ustainable growth, especially within our vital hospitality industry.”
When asked what he would personally like to see going forward with respect to the varying challenges that come with area tourism, Pounds said part of his vision is the same as what the island has been noted for since the late 1890s: maintaining a safe, sustainable and friendly beach community and a continued focus on environmental preservation and sustainability.
“We still have a lot of work in front of us – we have barely scratched the surface from our recently completed Community Enrichment Plan,” he said. “And I’m proud to work alongside dedicated community members and partners who care deeply about preserving what makes Isle of Palms so special while planning for its future.”
By L. C. Leach III
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