I am Rex Garniewicz, and I want to represent you on Hilton Head Island Town Council.
Twenty-three years of nonprofit leadership have placed service and fiscal responsibility as my highest priorities. I have served town residents on the Heritage Tourism and Venue committees, while also encouraging town staff and council to advance environmental sustainability. On Hilton Head Plantation’s Board of Directors, I pushed for openness and encouraged residents to become more involved in governance.
My doctoral research focused on environmental science, history and culture, and I will bring both that learning and my real-world experience to Town Council. Together, we can meet our community’s challenges and build a better future for our island. My promise to you is that I will listen to all viewpoints and find innovative solutions.
Hilton Head Island is not just where my family lives—this is the place that breathes life into our hearts and souls. My sons are being educated in our schools. I care deeply about the quality of life for Hilton Head residents.
Education and Experience
BA in Environmental Science and Archaeology, Wesleyan University, 1991.
MA in Anthropology, Indiana University – Bloomington, 2002.
PhD in Archaeology, Indiana University – Bloomington, 2005.
Visiting Lecturer / Associate Instructor
Indiana University, 1993-2003.
Butler University, 2009-2010.
San Diego State University, 2014.
Nonprofit Leadership
Indiana State Museum, 2002-2011; final title Vice President of Science and Technology
San Diego Museum of Man 2011-2014 final title Deputy Director
Coastal Discovery Museum 2014-2024 President and CEO
Previous Board and Advisory Board Service
American Alliance of Museums, Forum UNESCO, Balboa Park
Online Collaborative, Stone Age Institute, Arkhaios Film
Festival, Gullah-Geechee Consortium, Reconstruction
Beaufort, Firstshore, Santa Elena Foundation.
Current Board Service
Hilton Head Plantation Board of Directors: Term 1, 2021 to 2024; Term 2, 2024 to 2027.
When elected I will work closely with you and council to:
Find a multifaceted approach for housing critical employees
who serve our hospital, Fire Rescue, policing, and schools.
Support sustainable initiatives for trash collection, recycling,
landscaping, and living in harmony with nature.
Invest
in infrastructure, including an improved Main Street, a passive park at Planter’s Row Golf Course, great leisure paths, and a well-designed plan for beach renourishment.
Keep a close eye on the Gateway Corridor improvements, so
they align residents’ wants and needs.
Fully fund Fire Rescue to continue to deliver life-saving
response times and protect our investments in safety.
Thoughtfully address tourism promotion, so the visitors we
invite respect our values, environment, and residents.
If You Talk, I Will Listen
843.415.8500 (call or text)
Mailing Address - 11 Oyster Shell Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
