Russ Touchberry was elected Mayor of Summerville in November 2023 and officially took office in January 2024. His term runs through 2027. A native son of Summerville, Russ brings a lifelong connection to the community and a deep commitment to building a stronger, more sustainable town for future generations.
A 1997 graduate of Fort Dorchester High School, Russ went on to earn his degree in Civil Engineering from The Citadel. Today, he is the co-owner of Industry Consulting Partners, LLC, where he advises clients across the Transportation, Engineering, and Construction industries. Throughout his career, he has led major infrastructure projects—like the Nexton Parkway interchange—and currently manages a team responsible for delivering large-scale construction efforts of regional importance.
Before being elected Mayor, Russ served on Summerville Town Council representing District 3 beginning in 2021. On Council, he championed restoring fiscal integrity by addressing the Town’s long-term financial obligations and refocusing spending toward community priorities. He has been a consistent advocate for ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with growth, solving traffic issues with cost-effective strategies, and expanding bicycle and pedestrian connectivity throughout Summerville—all with an emphasis on safety and smart planning.
Russ is also a respected community leader. He has chaired both the Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce and the Dorchester Children’s Center. For the past 14 years, he and his wife, Jamie Beckham Touchberry, have dedicated themselves to Putting for Parkinson’s, a cause close to their hearts that supports Parkinson’s research and care.
Russ and Jamie live in downtown Summerville with their two children, Sage and Beckham, and attend the Summerville Campus of Seacoast Church. Whether it’s riding bikes together, enjoying town life by golf cart, or cheering from the sidelines at their kids’ sporting events, Russ remains fully engaged in the community he now serves as Mayor.