Keeping Up with the Times

CH2 Magazine published an article in their September 2025 edition highlighting Marc Orlando, Hilton Head Island's Town Manager. Thank you CH2 for this special feature.

Photography by Maggie Washo

A day on the job with Hilton Head Island Town Manager Marc Orlando

Walking into Marc Orlando's office at Town Hall, past the putting mat and toward the wide desk in his office, one can't help but notice the controlled chaos. Neatly stacked papers and documents cover the surface, each representing a key issue, initiative, or project underway on Hilton Head Island. To the casual observer, it might look overwhelming. To Orlando, it's a system — an organized reflection of the many responsibilities that come with managing one of the most unique communities in the country.

"It's really about priorities and focus," Orlando says, glancing across the papers. "Each of these represents not just a task, but an opportunity to strengthen the Island and protect what makes it so special."

In the nearly five years since taking over the reins of Hilton Head Island from legendary Town Manager Steve Riley, Orlando has navigated challenges and milestones with the steady perspective of someone who understands both local and regional dynamics, thanks to his prior role as Bluffton's Town Manager.

And the results are tangible. Under his leadership, Hilton Head Island has reduced its millage rate, expanded its reserves (with the beach preservation fund balance reserve growing from $12 million to $20 million and emergency reserves from $20 million to $36 million), eliminated debt, and earned a rare triple-A bond rating from all three major rating agencies — something only one other municipally in South Carolina can claim.

But while financial strength provides security, Orlando is quick to point out that Hilton Head Island's success stems from more than balance sheets.

"I am so grateful for the people who built the foundation of this community before me — leaders including past Town Councils and the community members who created the groundwork we stand on today," Orlando reflects. "And I'm equally thankful for our current Town Council and the incredible staff team we have. Every day, our employees show up with dedication and genuine care for our residents, businesses, and visitors. It's a privilege to lead such a talented group."

One of the clearest directives shaping Orlando's daily work is Town Council's top priority: protecting Island character through managing growth.

That vision is rooted in a recently updated Strategic Action Plan, which guides the Town's budget and policy decisions. Among the most impactful initiatives aligned with that vision is the Tow's continued investment in updating its Land Management Ordinance and in the land acquisition program.

"Over the past few years, we've acquired more than 70 acres of land, spending close to $45 million. A significant portion of these funds came from the Town's Real Estate Transfer Fee and approximately a third came from the Beaufort County Greenspace Fund," Orlando says. "These most recent acquisitions alone reduced future development pressure by taking more than 37,000 square feet of non-residential space and roughly 425 potential dwelling units off the books. Altogether, over time, the Town has now acquired 1,349 acres dedicated primarily to preservation and quality of life protection."

Recent purchases have been spread throughout the Island — including the Jonesville Historic Neighborhood, the Mitchelville Historic Neighborhood, and other congested areas across Hilton Head Island — with most acquisitions preserved as green space. "These efforts are about more than stopping development," Orlando explains. "They're about protecting our environment, honoring our history, and ensuring the quality of life that makes Hilton Head Island so unique continues for generations."

The 26-acre Mitchelville Road property, stands out not only for preservation but also for cultural and historical significance. "There are significant cultural artifacts on this site," Orlando explains. "Preserving it helps us protect and celebrate a deeply important part of our Island's story."

Like so many other communities, workforce housing remains a pressing priority, one Orlando and his team are addressing through thoughtful planning and public-private-partnerships.

A work in progress success story includes the North Point neighborhood, a partnership with One Street Residential that will provide 157 workforce housing units on land leased by the Town for 65 years. The project also drew support from RBC, sponsor of the Heritage golf tournament, marking it as a strategic investment in workforce housing.

"That project will deliver real options for people who work on Hilton Head Island," Orlando says. "We're also moving forward on another site on Bryant Road, where the Town can set a vision for reinvestment and ensure these properties meet community needs."

To guide this balance of preservation and growth, the Town is also modernizing its Land Management Ordinance. Orlando describes it as a necessary step to "reset expectations" around development scale, capacity, traffic, open space, and land use for the next decade.

"It's time," he says. "The Island deserves clear and updated tools to make sure future growth reflects our values and protects the quality of life that makes Hilton Head Island so extraordinary."

Capital projects have also advanced, providing infrastructure improvements and reinvestment in critical areas of need. This includes road safety initiatives, stormwater system upgrades, parks, and public facilities improvements. At the same time, the town staff's attention to neighborhood engagement, arts and culture, public workshops, and partnerships with community organizations has helped ithe team remain connected and responsive to the needs of residents and stakeholders.

While the stacks of papers in his office represent projects and policy, Orlando knows his most important work comes through people.

"Building and supporting our team has to be my highest priority," he emphasizes. "We've brought in new perspectives, encouraged fresh ideas, and empowered staff to move initiatives forward. At the end of the day, this organization succeeds because of the people who show up every day with professionalism and passion for Hilton Head Island. I'm proud to work alongside of them."

That mix of gratitude, stewardship, and forward vision defines Orlando's approach. It also underscores why Hilton Head Island continues to be not just a remarkable place to live and visit, but a community with a clear plan to preserve its legacy while preparing for the future.