About Me
DAVID C. MITCHELL
Candidate for Greenville County Council District 23
“The best leadership always starts with a commitment to the service of others.”
I don’t remember when I first heard that statement, but it has shaped my life from a young age. Service has guided my decisions, strengthened my faith, grounded my leadership, and inspired my work. It defines who I am and how I believe leaders should show up for their community.
Values Rooted in Service
I was raised to believe that serving others is the highest calling and greatest accomplishment a person can achieve. I learned that lesson first from my parents and from countless individuals whose lives modeled compassion, integrity, faith, and sacrifice.
Watching people consistently step forward to support those in need — offering help, encouragement, or simply a strong shoulder to lean on — left a deep impression on me. Their example inspired me to make myself an instrument of service to others wherever I am needed, in whatever ways I am able.
That commitment to service continues to shape my life, my leadership, and my campaign.
Family & Nicholtown Roots
I was raised as the son of James Calvin Jones and Sallie L. Mitchell, and their example of love, faith, and resilience has always grounded me.
Today, one of my greatest joys and responsibilities is being a father to my daughters, Surena Mitchell and Selena Mitchell, and a proud grandfather of three wonderful grandchildren.
I am 55 years old, raised in the Greenline–Spartanburg Street / Overbrook communities, with strong family roots in Nicholtown. This community is not a campaign talking point to me — it is my home, my foundation, and my family.
Professional Leadership & Service
Professionally, I have dedicated my life to helping others create stability, dignity, and opportunity through meaningful work.
I serve as President of a full-service professional placement and staffing firm, helping connect people to jobs, supporting families, strengthening businesses, and building opportunity across Greenville County. Our work has helped thousands of residents earn a living and support the people they love — a responsibility I take seriously every single day.
Education & Lifelong Learning
I believe leaders should always keep learning. My educational journey includes:
- Associate’s Degree in Business – Spartanburg Methodist College
- Bachelor’s Degree – Limestone College
- Master’s Degree in Human Resources – Clemson University
- Leadership Certification – Columbia University (NY)
- Organizational Development Certification – DePaul University (Chicago)
- Currently completing Master of Divinity & Pre-Ph.D. Seminary Studies
Gardner-Webb University, 3rd Year
My work, my education, and my faith are deeply connected — each reinforcing a commitment to ethical leadership, accountability, and service with compassion.
Community & Civic Involvement
Service to the community is not something I talk about — it is something I live. I have been blessed to serve in leadership roles that strengthen neighborhoods, grow opportunity, preserve history, and support families, youth, and seniors.
- Board Member, GTA/Greenlink Public Transit
– Helped expand service routes and hours to better serve working families and seniors. - Former Chair, Greenville Housing Authority Board of Commissioners
– Led efforts that resulted in two HOPE VI Grants totaling $41 million, revitalizing income-based housing for the former Woodland/Pierce Homes (Overbrook) and Jessie Jackson Townhomes (Nicholtown). - Chairman, Pleasant Valley Connection Board
– Guided the organization from the brink of closure in 2017 to a thriving institution by 2021, helping raise over $350,000 to sustain programs and services. - Past President, Overbrook Neighborhood Association
– Worked with city leaders to manage overdevelopment and protect neighborhood’s quality of life. - Chairman & Board Member, Richland Cemetery Board of Advisors
– Responsible for the preservation, maintenance, and historical protection of this sacred and culturally significant site. - Board Member, Legacy Early College Charter School
– Supporting educational success and opportunity for students and families. - Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. – 32-Year Member
– Currently serves as Chairman of the Membership Selection Process for the Upstate of South Carolina, and has held numerous chapter and district-level leadership roles. - Leadership Greenville – Class 36 Graduate
- Former Chairman, Greenville County Democratic Party
- Mount Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church
– Serves as Church Clerk and Chairman of the Trustee Ministry. - John Wesley United Methodist Church
– Lifelong member.
Why This Matters
My story is rooted in faith, family, work, and community. Everything I have been blessed to experience has strengthened a simple belief:
Leaders should serve people. Leaders should show up.
Leaders should do the work with humility and heart.
That is the spirit in which I have lived my life — and it is the spirit in which I seek to serve on Greenville County Council.
Supporters
People Supporting David
