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Cayce makes hire replacing retired leader who lodged workplace complaint in 2025

The Cayce Municipal Building on Wednesday, May, 21, 2025.
The Cayce Municipal Building on Wednesday, May, 21, 2025. tglantz@thestate.com

Cayce made a new hire to replace an outgoing member of administrative leadership, the city announced Thursday.

Kristen Hall — who spent more than two decades in public service in administrative leadership, public safety operations and organizational management — was named Cayce’s municipal clerk. Hall is currently the executive assistant to the Chief of Police at the Cayce Police Department, where she ensured efficient daily operations and managed sensitive records and coordinated communications, according to a news release.

Former Municipal Clerk Mendy Corder announced her retirement in February following three decades of service in various roles within the city after starting as a receptionist in 1996.

Among other responsibilities, Cayce’s municipal clerk is responsible for maintaining city records and ensuring transparency and efficiency in local government processes.

“Kristen has consistently demonstrated exceptional professionalism, attention to detail, and a deep commitment to public service,” Cayce City Manager Michael Conley said in a news release. “Her extensive experience supporting complex operations and executive leadership, combined with her collaborative approach and strong organizational skills, make her an outstanding choice for Municipal Clerk. We are confident she will serve our community with integrity and excellence in this important role.”

Hall’s resume includes time with the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, and law enforcement roles in both higher education and healthcare. She is currently earning a bachelors degree in business administration at North Greenville University, according to a news release.

Following an October 2025 city council meeting, Corder and Cayce Mayor Elise Partin got into argument, and Corder alleged Partin threw a printed resolution at her, according to a report.

Corder later filed a complaint with the city’s human resources department alleging a hostile work environment, which led to internal investigation. The investigation revealed that members of the city council reached out to staff about issues, a violation of Cayce ordinances that require them to communicate through the city manager.

Alexa Jurado
The State
Alexa Jurado is a news reporter for The State covering Lexington County and Richland County schools. She previously wrote about the University of South Carolina and contributes to this coverage. A Chicago suburbs native, Alexa graduated from Marquette University and previously wrote for publications in Illinois and Wisconsin. Her work has been recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists, the Milwaukee Press Club and the South Carolina Press Association.
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