After more than a decade, Charles E. Gardner retires from SC Housing Board of Commissioners

COLUMBIA, SC – Charles E. Gardner of Greenville is retiring from the SC Housing Board of Commissioners in September after serving since 2012. 

His final day as a part of the board of commissioners is Sept. 30. 

Gardner announced his impending retirement at the Sept. 17 meeting of the SC Housing Board of Commissioners. Highlighting the importance of promoting safe, decent and affordable housing for the people of South Carolina, Gardner likened the mission of SC Housing to that of a ministry. 

“This is truly a blessing to me to have been a part of this agency for the number of years that I have been,” Gardner said. “It’s a ministry.” 

“We have to understand that not all ministries are from the pulpit. You can’t serve God by giving him a glass of water or fluffing his pillow. The only way you serve him is to serve his children, as he said, ‘what you do unto the least of these you do unto me.’”

Gardner has been a strong advocate for affordable housing throughout his career, often saying, “housing is more than bricks and mortar.”

Before retiring in 1999, Gardner was Community Services Director for the City of Greenville. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Nuclear Power School, he also attended Voorhees College and Greenville Technical College and is a licensed real estate agent.

Gardner has received numerous awards for his work in affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, and community development. He has served on many boards, including as president of the SC Affordable Housing Coalition.

“Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this organization,” Gardner concluded. “I’ll keep watching to see what (SC Housing) does.”

SC Housing extends its deepest gratitude to Commissioner Gardner for his service and steadfast dedication to the people of South Carolina. 

Media Contact: Matthew McColl
Marketing and Public Information Director
matthew.mccoll@schousing.com
803-896-9520

SC Housing is a self-sustaining housing finance agency committed to ensuring that South Carolinians have the opportunity to live in safe, decent and affordable housing. Agency operations are supported by a funding base that includes fees and other revenue earned through the administration of agency programs. For more information, visit SCHousing.sc.gov.