News Release

Town of Hilton Head Island names Shawn Gillen as its new Assistant Town Manager of Operations

January 6, 2026

The Town of Hilton Head Island is pleased to welcome Shawn Gillen, Assistant Town Manager of Operations, who officially joined the Town on Dec.1, 2025. His purview includes the Departments of Engineering, Capital Projects, Facilities, and Information Technology.

“Following a national search, Shawn emerged as the clear choice due to his operational leadership experience, strong coastal management background, and proven ability to advance community priorities,” said Town Manager Marc Orlando. “The depth and breadth of his experience is a tremendous asset to our community and will help us continue to enhance the high quality of life associated with Hilton Head Island.”

Shawn brings more than 20 years of executive leadership in local government, including most recently as City Manager of Tybee Island, Georgia. His operational portfolio includes leading major capital improvement and engineering projects, advancing stormwater and coastal resiliency initiatives in shoreline communities, and overseeing facilities and fleet operations. He has driven technology-enabled modernization that improved operational efficiency and budgeting transparency, and he has extensive experience in planning, zoning, and economic development, having managed transformative redevelopment efforts, including leading the redevelopment of a former General Motors plant site, one of the largest economic development projects in the Southeast.

During his tenure on Tybee Island, Shawn secured more than $20 million in state and federal grants, implemented a comprehensive stormwater master plan, and completed nationally recognized beach renourishment projects. He also served as response commander during Hurricanes Irma and Dorian, coordinating with FEMA and regional partners throughout evacuation and recovery operations.

Throughout his career, Shawn has served communities in Georgia, Minnesota, Illinois, and Kentucky, always demonstrating a strong focus on operational excellence, fiscal responsibility, and collaborative governance.

“I am excited to be part of the team at the Town of Hilton Head Island and grateful to be a part of this culture of excellence,” he said.

Shawn is committed to developing the next generation of public service leaders and currently serves as an adjunct faculty member in the Master of Public Administration program at Valdosta State University. Shawn holds both a Ph.D. and Master of Public Administration from the University of Kentucky.

Shawn and his wife Katie have three daughters - Georgia, Lilla and Scarlett.

Shawn’s office is located at Town Hall, 1 Town Center Court. He can be contacted via email at ShawnG@hiltonheadislandsc.gov or 843-854-1190.