Good Morning North Augusta - Tourism & Economic Development

Join us to learn about Tourism and Economic Development initiatives in North Augusta. Meet the NEW Assistant City Administrator (J.D. McCauley) and Director of Tourism (Karl Waldhauer). City leadership will discuss strategies for current and future economic development, with a strong emphasis on fostering community engagement to drive economic growth.  They will also explore the role of the newly established tourism department as a catalyst for economic activity and emphasize the importance of supporting local businesses.

J.D. McCauley serves as the Assistant City Administrator for the City of North Augusta, South Carolina, where he brings a wealth of experience in public administration and strategic planning. His career includes significant roles such as Senior Consultant in Public Sector Advisory at Baker Tilly US, Manager of Human Resources & Risk Management for the City of North Augusta, and several leadership positions within the public and non-profit sectors.  J.D. holds a PhD in Policy Studies from Clemson University and an MBA from Georgia Southern University. He is known for his dynamic leadership and deep commitment to community development, emphasizing innovation, accountability, and strategic growth. His expertise spans financial management, operations, public relations, and personnel management, making him a pivotal figure in fostering economic and social advancements in his community.

Karl Waldhauer is a resident of North Augusta, SC and is the first Tourism Manager for the City of North Augusta. His previous roles with the City of North Augusta include Program Coordinator (six years) and Superintendent (fourteen years) for the Parks, Recreation & Tourism Department where he was involved in project management and grant writing. Prior to joining the City of North Augusta team, he worked for the South Carolina Department of Social Services in the Foster Care Division and served as the Director of Parks & Recreation for the City of Wrens, GA. Karl holds a BS in Sociology from Lander University.