Committee reappoints two incumbents and names Tanya Hatten to Greater Columbia Community Relations Council

The Richland County Rules and Appointments Committee reappointed two incumbents and appointed Tanya Hatten to the Greater Columbia Community Relations Council at its June 2, 2026, meeting.

The committee began the appointment process after conducting interviews in executive session to fill three vacancies on the council. Chair said the interviews required an extended session given the number of candidates and the committee recessed to hold those interviews. The chair reported that no action was taken during the executive session and the committee resumed open session to take the appointments.

A committee member moved to reappoint applicants 1 and 2 (the incumbents) and to appoint applicant 22, Tanya Hatten; the motion was seconded and approved by the committee members present. The committee recorded the action as approved; the transcript shows all members present voting in favor.

The chair praised the breadth of applicants, saying the interviews demonstrated “the caliber of individuals that are interested in serving in Richland County at this level,” and encouraged candidates who were not selected to remain on file for future openings.

The appointments conclude the committee’s consideration of item 4; the chair said the committee set aside significant time for the interviews and emphasized outreach to potential applicants going forward.

The committee forwarded the appointment recommendations to the full council as its next procedural step.