On our 100th episode of Old Town New World, we talk to Rock Hill Mayor John Gettys about where the town has been and where it’s going. We learn about the effort that went into making Rock Hill a celebrated, thriving community with a bright future and the need to be intentional about what the city looks like years from now.

John Gettys graduated from Erskine College before earning his master’s degree in public administration and juris doctorate from the University of South Carolina in 1995. 

After joining and eventually becoming a partner in the law firm of Harrelson, Hayes & Guyton, John left in 2001 to start Morton & Gettys with partner James M. Morton.

Before going on to his role as Mayor, John was elected to several Rock Hill boards and committees, including city council. He has received numerous awards, including the Dream Keeper Award from Rock Hill’s Martin Luther King Task Force, the Deacon Service Award at First ARP Church, and the Community Service Merit Award from the Come-See-Me Board of Directors. He was honored as a member of the Liberty Fellowship Class of 2009 and was a 2017 participant in the Diversity Leadership Initiative of the Riley Institute at Furman University.

John and his wife, Christi, have three sons, Jack, Grier and Evan are active members of First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Rock Hill where John serves as an Elder.