Kathy Maness

Town Council Member

Kathy was elected to Lexington Town Council in 2004 and ran unopposed in 2008 and 2013.  She campaigned on being an elected official that listens to the people, and she proves her dedication to that slogan each day.  Kathy enjoys serving the citizens of the Town of Lexington and always listens to their issues and ideas.  During her first term in office she became involved on a national level so local voices and opinions could be heard.  Kathy’s understanding of State and Federal rules as they apply to municipalities has become a platform for all leaders and citizens to address local issues in need of national support in an effort to improve all cities.

Kathy’s daily career focuses on South Carolina teachers and the many roles they fulfil each day while teaching our children in the classroom or virtually.  She is the Executive Director of Palmetto State Teachers Association where she joined as a staff member in 1993.  Prior to that she was a third grade teacher at Erwin Elementary in Lancaster County.  Kathy has received many prestigious awards for the positive impact she has made to teachers.

In November 2020 Kathy was honored to be elected as the President of the National League of Cities, which also made her the first person from South Carolina to serve in this distinguished position.  While serving the citizens of the Town, she was also serving in many capacities with the National League of Cities including:  Past President of Women in Municipal Government, Board of Directors, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Presidential Task Force, Strategic Planning Task Force and other committees.  Her involvement with NLC continues to show her that cities working together can be a stronger voice and accomplish the bigger needs for all cities.

Kathy is a graduate of the University of South Carolina with a B.A. in Elementary Education and a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education. She also attended Winthrop University, where she completed coursework for certification in Education Administration.  Kathy’s biggest lesson may have been from her “Deddy” who taught her the importance of public service as she watched him during her childhood serve the citizens of Lancaster, SC as a City Council Member.

Kathy is dedicated to the citizens of the Town of Lexington and she works to make sure they have a prosperous Town, with responsible growth, so they and their children can enjoy their hometown.  She gives back every chance she gets and during the summer she is the keynote speaker for Palmetto Girls State and enjoys teaching the students about serving their communities.  She and her Staff at Palmetto State Teachers Association maintain a “Clothes Closet” to assist potential teachers with outfits to have for job interviews.  Each December Kathy and a fellow Council Member shop and make large gift bags for hundreds of senior citizens in Lexington.  And each year she says, “I wish I could do more!”

Kathy is married to Amiel Maness, whose support has made it possible for her to be a public servant.  They have one daughter, two sons, a wonderful daughter-in-law and in November 2019 they welcomed their first grandchild with open arms!