Hailey
Lancaster County is preparing for a major leadership change as its top hired official, Dennis Marstall, gets ready to leave his position for a new job in the Midwest. His departure marks the end of an important chapter for the county, especially as it continues to grow rapidly year after year.
Leadership changes can shape how a community develops and manages its future. In Lancaster County, this moment has arrived as Dennis Marstall, who has served as the county administrator since 2021, accepts a new opportunity in Wichita, Kansas.
His move has created a mix of appreciation for his service and concern about what comes next for one of South Carolina’s fastest-growing areas.
Marstall Accepts New Role in Kansas
The City of Wichita is expected to vote on hiring Marstall as its next city manager. Before Thanksgiving, he confirmed that contract discussions were underway and that he expected to finalize details soon.
He thanked the Lancaster County Council and staff for welcoming him and his family and said he would always feel a strong bond with the Lancaster and Charlotte region communities.
Marstall has worked in the area for more than 20 years, serving in roles connected to economic development and leadership.
Before joining Lancaster County, he worked as chief of staff in the Charlotte mayor’s office, giving him a strong understanding of how fast-growing regions operate.
His Past Experience in Kansas
Although Lancaster County has been home for several years, Kansas is not new territory for Marstall. Earlier in his career, he worked as an assistant city manager in Manhattan, Kansas. He also holds a bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University.
His move to Wichita is seen by many as a natural next step, connecting his experience in local government with a region he already knows well.
Growth and Development Under Marstall
Marstall’s time in Lancaster County came during a period of major population and business growth. The Indian Land panhandle and nearby southern areas saw steady expansion as more people moved into the region.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Lancaster County is currently the third-fastest growing county in South Carolina and the fastest-growing county in the entire Charlotte region since 2020. Much of this growth has been matched by new commercial projects, including major stores and business hubs.
Large brands such as Costco and Target opened new locations, and several shopping centers were added to support the growing population. These changes helped create new jobs and services, making Lancaster County a key location for families and companies looking to move south.
Growth Snapshot
Simple Table:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Population (2025) | More than 108,000 residents |
| Projected Population (2050) | Expected to reach 192,000 residents |
| Major New Businesses | Costco, Target, several shopping centers |
| Growth Status | Fastest-growing county in the Charlotte region |
County Begins Search for New Administrator
With Marstall preparing to leave, the Lancaster County Council held a special meeting to discuss personnel matters and begin planning for his replacement. The administrator role is the highest non-elected job in the county and oversees public offices that serve more than 108,000 people.
Council Chairman Brian Carnes said the immediate focus is on creating an interim plan. The county also plans to hire a search firm to help find the right long-term candidate. He hopes to have a new administrator in place no later than July 2026.
One challenge will be matching salaries. Marstall’s new Kansas offer is reportedly about $75,000 more than the $200,000 salary Lancaster County currently provides.
Carnes praised Marstall for his strong public communication skills, saying he connected well with residents during his time in office.
Dennis Marstall’s move marks an important turning point for Lancaster County. His leadership helped guide the county through rapid population and business growth, and his exit now opens the door for new ideas and new leadership.
As the county continues expanding, finding the right administrator will be essential for keeping services strong and supporting future development.