Marc Orlando – Town Manager

2023 Update

July 6, 2023

GIC Members were together again at our “old stomping grounds” to learn from each other and from community leaders. Palmetto Electric’s Community Room has been impeccably remodeled and proved to again be a convenient and welcoming place for us to gather for our monthly Member Meeting. The kickoff presenter at our swanky new digs was nonother than the Town Manager of Hilton Head Island, Marc Orlando, who brought with him some equally heavy lifters in Mayor, Alan Perry and Deputy Town Manager, Josh Gruber.

Mr. Orlando’s intelligent and engaging talk followed a PowerPoint presentation of 44 slides chockablock with informative content. The overview of his presentation is:

  • Hilton Head Island and Town Government History
  • Town of Hilton Head Island Staff Team
  • Review of Fiscal Year 2024 Budget ($129,950,293)
  • Strategic Action Plan – “Top 15” Priorities
  • Town Updates

To read the presentation please click here.

Explore the Town of Hilton Head website here.

Marc Orlando Bio

Marc Orlando is the Town Manager of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Marc was appointed by the Hilton Head Island Town Council in December of 2020 and assumed his position in February of 2021. In this role, Marc directs the administration of Town departments, implements policies and projects, and oversees about 250 employees.

Marc brings an exceptional record of experience and accomplishment to his position as Hilton Head Island’s top administrator, and has a proven track record in managing public facilities and projects, initiating community planning initiatives, guiding economic development, and leading high-performing teams.

Most recently, he was town manager of Bluffton, South Carolina, where he was instrumental in the planning and implementation of the town’s two major economic development initiatives, the Bluffton Public Development Corporation and the Don Ryan Center for Innovation, and led the town’s major investments at Buckwalter Place Commerce Park, Palmetto Bluff, the Bluffton Historic District, and other locations.

During his 14-year tenure with Bluffton, Marc helped the town manage through a period of unprecedented growth and economic success that included Bluffton’s annexation phase when it skyrocketed from a one-square-mile town to a 54-square-mile town. Marc’s work in Bluffton garnered him state recognition in 2012 when South Carolina legislators awarded him a House Resolution that honored his “visionary leadership” in community planning and environmental stewardship.

Early in his career, Marc worked for the Town of Hilton Head Island as an intern, GIS analyst, and senior planner. Along with his public service, Marc also served as the Vice President of Asset Management with Rowe Investments and managed several commercial and residential projects.

Marc graduated from the University of Windsor with a bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning with a concentration in business administration. In December 2013, the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) awarded Marc the designation of a credentialed local government manager.

He currently lives on Hilton Head Island with his wife, Jaclyn and two children, Emmy and Ben.