Sometimes, coming home is about more than returning to a familiar place. For Irmo Town Administrator Jim Crosland, it meant returning to the community that shaped him and finding ways to serve the people who call it home. Crosland grew up in Irmo and graduated from Irmo High School in 1991. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Coast Guard, serving aboard the USCGC Escanaba in Boston and later at Coast Guard Station Charleston. He earned associate and bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice using the GI Bill.
“Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to complete numerous law enforcement, fire service, and instructor courses,” said Crosland. “One of my proudest professional accomplishments was attending the 265th session of the FBI National Academy, an intensive 10-week leadership program that challenges participants both mentally and physically.”
After 28 years in local government and law enforcement, Crosland planned to retire from public service in 2025. Shortly after announcing his retirement from the City of Cayce, Irmo Mayor Bill Danielson asked if he would consider becoming Irmo’s next Town Administrator. Having grown up in Irmo, Crosland welcomed the opportunity to return home and serve the community that had been part of his story from the beginning.
Today, Crosland oversees the Town’s daily operations, leads Town staff, manages municipal resources, administers the budget, coordinates community projects, and works to carry out the priorities and vision established by Town Council. But perhaps most importantly, he sees himself as a link between Town Council, employees, residents, businesses, and community partners.
His approach to leadership is grounded in what he calls the “three C’s”: Communication, Cooperation, and Collaboration. Crosland shared, “My guiding principle is to be genuine and to serve without hidden agendas. After many years in law enforcement and seeing more than 6,000 cadets come through the academy, I have developed a strong sense for reading people and value honesty and sincerity in both personal and professional relationships. Above all, my main goal is to try to leave every organization and community in better shape than I found it.”
One of the most rewarding parts of Crosland’s current role has been watching ideas become tangible improvements for residents. When a basketball goal at Rawls Creek Park was vandalized, the Town decided to take the opportunity to build a full high school-size basketball court, which was immediately filled with young people upon opening. Yearly events bring the community together, such as the Spring Concert Series, Boograss Festival, and Trunk-or-Treat, and help retain the true small-town feel. For Crosland, moments like these are a reminder of why public service matters.
His career has taken him in many directions. Along the way, he has faced some of public service’s most difficult moments, which he has used to grow as a person and leader. Now, back in Irmo, Crosland is focused on responsible growth, strong financial stewardship, improved parks and recreation, and building a talented team committed to serving the community.
Outside of work, Crosland enjoys camping, fishing, hunting, and traveling with his wife, Natalie, and their sons, Jimmy and Grady. They also enjoy time with their fur babies: a Belgian Malinois they affectionately call “Maligator”, a chocolate Lab, Flynnigan, and their beloved German Shepherd, Zoe, who, after 14 years, crossed the rainbow bridge.
After a career spent serving others, Jim Crosland has come full circle, and he is grateful for the opportunity to serve Irmo once again.