SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY:

“Over the course of nearly three decades, Steve made innumerable contributions to the Town’s infrastructure, quality of life, fiscal stability and international reputation.  When he retired, we could think of no greater recognition than to name our multi-building Town Hall complex for him.”

-John McCann, long-time civic leader, Town Council member and former Mayor

IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY:

“Steve Riley and I started our careers on Hilton Head Island at about the same time, and I have watched him over the decades transform this Town from a collection of planned developments into a true community.  He helped smooth relations between residents, visitors, and the business community.  He oversaw hundreds of millions of dollars in infrastructure improvements.  He expertly guided us through the clean-up and recovery from Hurricane Matthew; and in gratitude the Chamber awarded him the coveted John Curry Tourism Award.  On two occasions, when the community was in danger of losing our signature PGA Tour Event, Steve put together a funding solution that enabled us to retain the tournament.  The totality of his efforts is a part of the reason this community continues to receive so many accolades as a premier place to visit, live and work.”

-Bill Miles, CEO, Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce.

HURRICANE MATTHEW:

“Hilton Head Plantation is the largest planned communities on Hilton Head Island with over 4,250 residential properties and a population of over 10,000, boasting the largest population of  permanent residents.  Over the years our community leadership and management worked closely with the Town Council and Town Manager Steve Riley to develop mutual aid agreements in the event of a natural disaster.  Those agreements were among several accords Steve Riley fostered on behalf of the Hilton Head Town Council with local communities.  Steve’s efforts, and his team’s efforts, in response to Hurricane Matthew went above and beyond both in operation and communication before, during and after Hurricane Matthew.  Proper planning across several government agencies was key to keeping residents, staff and visitors safe during our encounter with Hurricane Matthew. The recovery efforts were prompt, and resources  were deployed immediately after the “all clear” was given by government officials.  The careful planning, the coordination and agreements with each planned development and neighborhood and, in particular, the development of an island-wide storm water utility set the stage for a seamless cleanup and recovery.  Those upfront efforts saved our community untold expenses.”

-Peter Kristian, General Manager, Hilton Head Plantation

HURRICANE MATTHEW – THE CONCOURS D’ ELEGANCE:

“I remember standing on the golf course with the Port Royal Golf Course Superintendent just days after the storm passed.  You could not even see the clubhouse for all the downed trees.  We wondered how we were ever going to recover in time to hold the show.  But then the Mayor contacted us and Steve, and his team, identified funding that could legally be used to assist in the clean-up efforts.  A partnership was quickly formed, and the golf club secured the necessary contractors.  Our sponsors and exhibitors were impressed with the level of local support and the collaboration involved.  By opening day, many of our attendees were unaware that there had been a significant hurricane just weeks before.”

-Merry Harlacher, long-time volunteer, board member and Chairman of the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance and Motoring Festival.

SHELTER COVE TOWNE CENTRE:

“The redevelopment of the failing Shelter Cove Mall into the mixed-use Shelter Cove Towne Centre was a significant undertaking in a highly visible location of Hilton Head Island.  With the strong support of the Town Council, Steve and his team negotiated a public-private partnership that took a failing enclosed mall and transformed it into a mixed-used retail and residential development with a signature waterfront park as its focal point.  This has proven to be a success for the developer, who has used it as a model in other communities.  And it has been exceedingly popular with our community’s residents and visitors.”

-Drew Laughlin, long-time civic leader, Town Council member and former Mayor

JARVIS CREEK PARK:

Steve’s leadership and innovative approach to projects is evident throughout Hilton Head Island.  Jarvis Creek Park is just one example of this.  After reviewing the engineering “solution” to major storm water issues on the north end of Hilton Head Island, he knew there was a better way.  His guidance, encouragement and support resulted in a multifaceted project that addressed storm water needs in a uniquely environmentally sensitive manner, while creating recreational opportunities.  This highly successful project was recognized at the state level by the South Carolina Municipal Association at its annual awards banquet.  

-Charles Cousins, retired Community Development Director

TOWN LAND ACQUISITION PROGRAM:

“As Town Staff Attorney and Assistant Town Manager I worked alongside and for Steve Riley for 28 years. In that capacity, I personally observed the enormous effort and success his management of the Town’s Land Acquisition became. There were 3-4 modest parks on the island before Steve went to work on Land Acquisition. As a result of Steve’s success, residents and visitors enjoy beach parks, community parks, neighborhood parks, special-use parks, sports parks, regional parks, and mini parks. Additionally, the island is less dense, more green, better drained, and enjoys a world class reputation, consistently voted one of the best islands in the World.”

-Greg Deloach, retired former Town Staff Attorney and Assistant Town Manager

LAND ACQUISITION – BEAUFORT COUNTY RURAL AND CRITICAL LAND PRESERVATION PROGRAM:

“When I first retired to Hilton Head Island in 2006, I took on the role of Advisor and Acquisition Coordinator for the Beaufort County Rural and Critical Land Preservation Program (BCRCLP).  Steve Riley was the chairman of the citizens advisory board, and we worked closely together to move the program forward.  As a resident of Hilton Head Island, and later as a Town Council member, I developed an appreciation of how the Town’s land acquisition program, under Steve’s guidance, has benefitted the community.”  

-Glenn Stanford, BCRCLPB Advisor and former Town Council member