Spotlight: John Wienges

SCAC is pleased to spotlight John Wienges, staff attorney and governmental affairs liaison. John works with county officials, members of the SC General Assembly, stakeholders, and other official bodies on legislation promoting and protecting the interests of all 46 counties. He has worked closely with the National Association of Counties and the U.S. Department of Treasury on the American Rescue Plan Act helping to educate county officials regarding the allowable use of funds and the overall intricacies of the Act.

John truly embodies what a team player is. His colleagues describe him as extremely dedicated, hardworking, family-oriented, positive, supportive, and impactful. When asked what he enjoys most about his job with the association, he says, “Growing up in rural Calhoun County, I quickly learned the importance of community and working together at the state and local level to get things done. My family has a history of working in SC politics which fostered a passion for public service within me at a young age. I take great pride working every day to make all parts of the state, no matter how big or how small, a better place for each of us to live, work, and enjoy.”

Prior to joining the association in 2019, John served as a legislative aide for the SC Senate Transportation Committee, as a law clerk and lobbyist at McNair Law Firm (now Burr Forman), and as a Governmental Affairs Advisor for Nexsen Pruet. A graduate of the University of South Carolina’s School of Law, he serves on the SC811 Board of Directors and on the SC Office of Resilience Strategic Statewide Resilience & Risk Reduction Plan Advisory Committee.

Outside of work you can find John spending time with family, attending a University of South Carolina sporting event, and enjoying his boat on the lake or on the coast.