Dawn-Marie Johnson Named Public Information Officer for the City of Camden Camden, SC — July 1, 2025 — The City of Camden is excited to announce Dawn-Marie Johnson as its new Public Information Officer (PIO). A passionate storyteller and community connector, Johnson brings extensive experience in communications, marketing, and community engagement to her new role, where she will help shape how Camden shares its unique story with residents, businesses, and visitors.
As PIO, Johnson will lead the city’s strategic communication initiatives, manage media relations, coordinate public event information, and oversee crisis communications. Her mission is to ensure Camden’s citizens stay connected and informed through authentic, transparent, and timely information.
“Camden is rich with history and vibrant stories waiting to be told. This role, which I am so honored to step into, represents leadership through service — bridging the space between institutions and people by being a trusted voice, a calming presence, and a guide through change or challenges. My goal is simple: Inform. Impact. Inspire. — always with authenticity and transparency,” said Johnson.
Johnson brings extensive experience in communications, marketing, and community engagement, most recently having held positions at the Community Medical Clinic of Kershaw County and The Post and Courier (Columbia and Myrtle Beach). Her communications foundation is strengthened by extensive media and public relations experience in television journalism, including positions at WRDW-TV (CBS) in Augusta, Georgia, and WSOC-TV (ABC) in Charlotte, North Carolina. She also served as Public Relations Director for GM Productions, managing high-profile promotional campaigns for major events.
In announcing the appointment, City Manager Matt DeWitt stated: “We are thrilled to welcome Dawn-Marie Johnson to the City’s team as the new Public Information Officer. She is a local resident and has built many invaluable connections throughout Camden over the years, so she understands many of the issues this community is facing as she enters this new position. Dawn-Marie also brings with her a wealth of communication expertise, and a passion for connecting with OUR community. Her skills will be vital as we work to enhance transparency, share important information effectively, and strengthen engagement with our residents.”
With her guiding philosophy of Inspire. Inform. Impact. Johnson looks forward to collaborating with residents, businesses, and city leaders to share Camden’s stories — rooted in history and those being written today — and deepen the connections that make the community thrive.
For media inquiries, please contact: Dawn-Marie Johnson 803-432-2421, ext. 1107 Djohnson@camdensc.org
Camden Council enhances employee recognition program, reviews hunt club mural proposal, moves closer to art policy, and introduces new PIO
By Dawn-Marie Johnson CAMDEN, S.C. — The city of Camden has expanded its employee recognition program to better honor workers who reach service milestones. Previously, employees had to choose between a service pin or a small monetary award when celebrating five-, 10-, 15- and 20-year anniversaries. Officials announced they will now provide both forms of recognition to recipients. “We value our employees here very much,” said Camden City Manager Matt DeWitt during Tuesday night’s meeting. “Our employees are far more valuable than making them choose between a pin and a monetary award. Giving them both really is the least we can do.” The enhanced program recognizes employees at five-year intervals with both a commemorative pin and financial recognition. Nine employees were recognized by the city for reaching service milestones. Those honored at the meeting included: • Fire Lt. Billy Haynes, five years • Sanitation Department collector Leslie Bracey, 10 years • City Clerk/Permit Technician Brenda Davis, 15 years • Water and Sewer Department Supervisor Charlie Robinson, 20 years • Fire Chief Eddie Gardner, 35 years Employees not in attendance but also recognized were Shannon Roach, Finance Department, five years; Bryan McLeod, Water Plant, 15 years; Duane Dykes, Utilities Department, 25 years; and Lee Rose, Water and Sewer Department, 25 years.
Camden Hunt Seeks Mural to Mark Centennial The Camden City Council on Monday heard appeals for a mural commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Camden Hunt and a mural proposed at 537 Gallery while also taking steps toward adopting a public art policy to guide future projects across the city. Salley McInerney, a resident and representative of the Camden Hunt, addressed the council with a history of the organization, which was founded in 1926 by equestrian enthusiasts. The hunt, she said, is more than a sporting tradition, serving as a steward of thousands of acres of preserved land, rare Carolina Bays and local wildlife. “In a time when kids are glued to their phones, we teach young riders about land, horses, hounds and history,” McInerney said. “And now, as we approach our centennial, we hope to commemorate this legacy with a mural on the east wall of the Little Theater.” McInerney said the building owners, James and Rhea Scott, support the mural, as does the neighboring Presbyterian Church. She asked the council to approve the project, noting that renderings and mockups have already been shared with city staff. Also speaking in favor of the mural was Olivia Frazier, a junior member of the Camden Hunt. Frazier, who lives across from the proposed mural site, described the hunt as much more than a sport. “The Camden Hunt is more than just a tradition — it’s a way to honor the land and the animals and the people who came before us,” Frazier said. “We don’t chase foxes; we celebrate the beauty of our country, the wetlands, pine forests, that bring brightness to our community. We’re asking for support for a mural that will tell the story of the past century and inspire future generations like us who care deeply for this place.” Council members praised the mural’s design and message but raised concerns about the size and placement of such artwork in Camden’s historic downtown. Several said a coordinated art strategy is needed to avoid visual clutter and maintain consistency.
Public Art Policy Discussion The council also heard from Harvee L. White, public art coordinator for the South Carolina Arts Commission, who presented the proposed Camden Public Art Policy. White said the policy would establish broad guidelines for public art, followed by a more detailed plan outlining specific projects, preferred locations and community engagement strategies. “This is the kind of groundwork we encourage all cultural districts to put in place,” White said. “Public art should not only beautify spaces but reflect the community’s identity and values.” White noted that Camden’s designation as a South Carolina cultural district makes it eligible for additional state support, provided local policies and plans align with that status. Council members expressed interest in reviewing similar policies adopted in other cities and stressed that Camden’s plan should tie into its existing strategic and comprehensive plans. While support for the Camden Hunt mural was strong, council members clarified that procedural requirements, including a public hearing, would delay a final vote until August. Residents and stakeholders were encouraged to attend and provide feedback.
New Public Information Officer Introduced City Manager Matt DeWitt introduced Dawn-Marie Johnson as Camden’s new Public Information Officer. “Dawn-Marie has been challenged with the job of getting the word out about all the good things happening here in Camden,” DeWitt said. “Often, people aren’t aware of the great work we’re doing because we haven’t communicated it well. Dawn-Marie is here to help us be more transparent and better connected with our community.” DeWitt encouraged residents and media to reach out to Johnson with questions or for information. Those wishing to contact the Public Information Office can email her at djohnson@camdensc.com or call 803-432-2421, ext 1107.
Other Council Business In other business, the council gave first reading to Ordinance 2025-20, which involves the potential acquisition and redevelopment of the midtown property. The ordinance passed first reading with minimal discussion, with more details expected at future meetings. The council also postponed a vote on a resolution to transfer ownership of subdivision streets and stormwater infrastructure in the Bellehaven neighborhood to the city. City Manager Matt DeWitt said that, ‘while the city has the capacity to maintain the infrastructure, more documentation is needed to confirm that proper inspections and compaction testing were conducted during construction.” Mayor Vincent Sheheen and several council members agreed to defer the item to a future meeting.
Looking Ahead A public hearing on the proposed Camden Hunt mural and the broader public art policy is expected at the council’s August meeting. If adopted, the policy would provide a framework for future public art projects while preserving the city’s historic character.
The City of Camden is selling property it has deemed as surplus. There are eleven properties for sale. Ten of these properties are in the city limits, and one is outside the city limits. Offers will be accepted until July 25, 2025. The following properties are for sale:
• 718 York Street • 807 Church Street • 810 Campbell Street • 1095 Old River Road • 1095A Old River Road • 1099 Old River Road • 1101 Old River Road • 1115 Old River Road • 1210 Gordon Street • 1319 Lakeshore Drive • 2129 Fishing Lane
Mayor Vincent Sheehen, along with fellow Council members Phil Elliot and William Wilkes, welcomed Michael Bullard to the Dusty Bend neighborhood during his grand opening of SpecterGames in June.
“I moved to Camden back in 2012, and I figured it was just another stop on my journey, since – even though I am an SC native – I had been used to moving around since I was young. The longer I was here, the more I enjoyed the quaint, small town feel where everyone waves hello as you pass by, and that attracted me to plant my roots and raise a family here. SpecterGames is a local gaming store for tabletop games. It has been a dream since I was young, and the hobbies are very near and dear to my heart. The community in Camden has needed a spot to go and play their favorite games, some place local and not a 30-45 minute drive away. During the early months, this was a family project. My son, my wife, and my daughter were in the building day in and day out – painting, getting furniture ready and staging inventory. It was a great bonding experience for the whole family. When we’re not in the shop, we really enjoy visiting Goodale State Park – I love watching the wildlife with my children. You need to get familiar with the local farms in the area – they have some of the best produce ever. And the Revolutionary War Site is a must see for sure. And, everyone is welcome to stop in our shop – even if you’re not interested in trading cards, we have board games that everyone can enjoy!”
You can visit SpecterGames at 2511 Broad Street in Camden’s Dusty Bend, open Monday-Thursday: 12pm-8:30pm, Fri-Sat: 1pm-10pm
Fire Safe South Carolina, and its partners, congratulated 207 South Carolina fire departments in April for receiving their 2024 Community Designation.
Camden Fire Department, Lugoff Fire Rescue and Kershaw County Fire Service were all among the designated communities continually work to reduce home fire-related injuries in South Carolina, thereby decreasing the risks for residents and firefighters. They promote consistent fire and life safety messaging and stress the importance of providing data collected in response to fires and other emergency calls for service.
The 207 fire departments receiving the community designation represent a nearly 35 percent increase from the previous year.
“The enthusiasm for obtaining this designation continues to grow,” Community Risk Reduction Chief Josh Fulbright said. “Many departments have received this recognition for the first time, some seek it again with new purpose, and others receiving since the 2017 inception continue to build depth within their organization.”
Departments will be formally recognized during a June 13 award ceremony at the 2025 Fire-Rescue Conference in Myrtle Beach. The ceremony begins at 3:30 p.m.
To earn Community Designation, fire departments complete courses to increase their departments’ Community Risk Reduction efforts, document opportunities for public education, and work with partners to address risks in their community. Camden Fire Department has received the Community Designation every year since its inception.
Last year, because of statewide efforts, 279 community partners were identified (11 percent increase since 2023), nearly 1,284 fire service members were educated on risk reduction-related topics (nearly triple since 2023), and more than 1.1 million citizens (70 percent increase since 2023) were educated on fire and life safety topics.
“As a result of the hard work, commitment, and dedication of these departments and their community partners, more than one million citizens were educated on ways to stay “Fire Safe,” Fulbright said. “Efforts will not stop there. We will continue to work together to educate even more citizens and implement other risk reduction practices proactively to get ahead of calls for service in South Carolina.”
Launched in 2017, partners in Fire Safe SC include the S.C. State Firefighters’ Association, the S.C. State Association of Fire Chiefs, the S.C. Fire Marshal Association, the S.C. Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators and the S.C. Office of State Fire Marshal. Together, they announce the following 207 fire departments have obtained the Fire Safe SC Community Designation.
The City of Camden continues to host a summer series of small business workshops at the Camden branch of the Kershaw County Library. Kat Spadacenta, Community Development Coordinator, and representatives from the business support community will lead workshops for small business owners and any member of the public wishing to attend.
Workshops will be held on Tuesday June 3, Thursday June 12, Thursday July 10, and Tuesday July 29 at the Camden Library Branch, 1304 Broad Street. All workshops are from 6:00 to 7:00 pm.
June 3 – Make Sure Your Business is Seen Online These days, it’s necessary to have your business found online. Learn how to make the most of Google Search, Google Business Profile, Trends, and what you need to achieve on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, to make sure you are seen by potential customers and loyal followers alike. Bring a laptop to this workshop.
June 12 – How to Get Started in Business! Do you know the difference between a C Corp, Subchapter s, LLC, Partnership or Sole Proprietorship? Which is better for you? How much does it cost to get started? Where to incorporate? Where will you pay the least amount of taxes? What about accounting? Small business consultant Jeffrey Cooper will have all your questions answered.
July 10 – Learn the Basics of Google Ads It doesn’t take a huge budget to market your business! In this workshop, you will learn how to reach more customers and grow your business with Google Ads. Learn how to create an account and set up an ad campaign, write great ads, refine keywords, and include ad extensions, and measure success. Bring a laptop to this workshop.
July 29 – Financing Your Business In this workshop, led by small business consultant Jeffrey Cooper, you will be able to identify the different types of financing and their requirements and pitfalls. What are the basic needs to obtain financing for your small business? What is right for you?
August 12 – Writing Your Business Plan
It’s always important for your business to have a plan, whether it’s the first or a refreshed version. This seminar will cover writing a complete business plan, including specific emphasis on the Executive Summary and the Financial Analysis. How long should the executive summary be and what to say? What should the financial analysis show? Small business consultant and tax advisor Jeff Cooper has the answers, and will demonstrate using spreadsheet creation to complete a 3-5 year cash flow analysis. Bring your laptop to this workshop to get started.
For more information, contact Community Development Coordinator Kat Spadacenta at 803-549-5648 or kspadacenta@camdensc.org.
