Deanna Miller

Managing Director

In addition to earning a bachelor’s degree from College of Charleston in Communication Studies, there are many roles I’ve held over the years that have prepared me to serve in public office. Notable among them are Franchise Development Manager, Creative Services Director, and Managing Director. As a Franchise Development Manager at Randstad, a national staffing firm, I was solely responsible for the launch, growth, and development of 13 franchise locations across the United States. I worked closely with attorneys and senior leadership to draft complex legal documents known as Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs). This required evaluating the financial viability of potential franchise owners and making data-driven recommendations. Once approved, I provided new owners with training, operational support, and access to local resources to help them succeed beyond their first year in business. I also oversaw their branding and marketing efforts to ensure alignment with strict corporate guidelines. This role sharpened my skills in business development, strategic planning, and regulatory compliance—key areas that translate directly to policymaking and supporting local economic growth on City Council. At FOX24, I served as Creative Services Director, where I developed and produced the show FOX24 News Now. This role connected me deeply with the Charleston community, from attorneys to non-profits, and from artists to local leaders. For four years, I had a front-row seat to the most pressing issues facing the city and gained a valuable understanding of its diverse voices and perspectives. My experience at FOX24 has given me a strong grasp of local concerns and sharpened my ability to communicate effectively with the public—essential for building transparency and trust in city government. Currently, I’m the Managing Director of 82 South, an experiential marketing agency. Over the past six years, I’ve helped grow the business from $1.2 million to nearly $5 million in annual revenue. I oversee marketing and key client accounts, including Accenture, PepsiCo, several Indigenous Councils, and more. My responsibilities include preparing proposals (RFPs), collaborating with procurement departments, and leading efforts to secure high-value projects, typically ranging from $100,000 to $250,000. I’m regularly involved in discovery and strategy calls and often work on-site with clients to ensure the successful execution of events and exhibit builds. This role has strengthened my leadership, budgeting, and project management skills—capabilities that are crucial for responsibly managing city initiatives and working across departments to deliver results. Each of these roles has required leadership, collaboration, fiscal responsibility, and a deep commitment to the community—qualities that are essential for anyone serving on City Council. assisted in amending HOA covenents to allow for flood mitigation efforts and rain gardens in neighborhood, worked on helping local partial magnet school retain it's partial-magnet status, led efforts to deny annexation of properties for developers on James Island Budgeting, small business experience, bidding and RFP experience, presentation, negotiation skills, face to face with C-Suite, 20 years on James Island, volunteering at schools, and in community,

Flooding and Climate Resilience Flooding is one of the most pressing issues facing Charleston, not just on the Peninsula, but also in my district on James Island and even reaching into Summerville. Due to climate change and environmental degradation, large portions of the Peninsula are projected to be under water within 35 years. The time to act is now. First, I will assemble a dedicated advisory team I can rely on to support my decision-making on City Council—people with both technical expertise and fresh ideas. This group will also be tasked with introducing innovative solutions that may not have been previously considered. Second, I will advocate to shorten the gap between project approval and actual implementation. Additionally, we must be mindful of where we build. Native greenspaces, permeable surfaces, and modern drainage systems must be prioritized. These are not optional improvements, they're critical infrastructure investments that protect our homes, our environment, and our future.