Our Mayor

Education and Early Career

Nathan Senn's roots in Laurens run deep, having been born and raised in this special community. He attended both public and private local schools, where he played football and was graduated with honors as part of the first class of Laurens Academy. His strong academic performance and community involvement laid the foundation for a life of service.

​

Mayor Senn pursued higher education at Clemson University, earning a bachelor's degree in Political Science with honors. During his time at Clemson, he worked in the Anderson District Office of Congressman Gresham Barrett, gaining valuable experience in public service and government operations. Following his undergraduate studies, he attended the Charleston School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor and was awarded top honors in trial advocacy. While in law school, he clerked with the esteemed Charleston firm Grimball & Cabaniss, LLC, and contributed to the preparation of the legal reference book, "South Carolina Crimes: Elements and Defenses."

​

Professional Background

Upon being admitted to the South Carolina Bar in 2010, Nathan Senn returned to Laurens to establish his own law firm. His practice focuses on family, business, and estate law, serving a diverse group of clients, from individuals needing child support enforcement to multinational corporations. His legal expertise has taken him to boardrooms in Canada and the United Kingdom and to courtrooms across South Carolina's Circuit, Magistrates, and Family Courts.

​

Mayor Senn's dedication to resolving disputes amicably led him to become a certified Family Court Mediator, the only one in Laurens County. Through his mediation services, he helps clients preserve families, restore relationships, and limit the impact of litigation on children, parents, and spouses. His work with the South Carolina Commission on Indigent Defense involves representing vulnerable adults and parents seeking to reunify their families.

​

In Spring 2024, Mayor Senn joined Guest & Brady, LLC, opening the firm's sixths office in South Carolina in downtown Laurens.  As attorney with Guest & Brady, Mayor Senn provides real estate closing services to clients buying and selling home in Laurens County.

​

Community Involvement

Mayor Senn's commitment to Laurens extends beyond his legal practice. He has been an adjunct professor at Presbyterian College, where he taught Business Law to upper-level students. His involvement in education also includes mentoring aspiring attorneys, participating in moot court competitions, and offering professional services to community organizations such as South Carolina Legal Services, a federally funded program that provides attorneys for those in poverty.

​

An ordained Ruling Elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA), Mayor Senn has served on the Session of Second Presbyterian Church of Charleston, SC, and is a member of First Presbyterian Church of Laurens, where, until recently, he taught an adult Sunday School class. His strong commitment to his faith is foundational to his dedication to community service and personal development.

​

In 2024, Mayor Senn was elected to serve on the Presbyterian College Board of Trustees.  In this role, he serves on the Graduate Education Programs Committee and the Human Resources Committee.  As a result of his leadership, the ties between Presbyterian College and the City of Laurens and the wider Laurens community have been strengthened and elevated as a shared priority.

 

Leadership and Achievements

Since being elected Mayor of Laurens in March 2019, defeating the incumbent Mayor, John Stankus. Nathan Senn has led the city through significant economic growth and revitalization. Under his leadership, Laurens has reversed a long-term population decline, achieving a 5% increase by the 2020 Census. His administration has secured substantial grants for infrastructure improvements, including a $1.28 million grant for sidewalk repairs and the uncovering of historic brick streets.

​

Mayor Senn was re-elected in April 2023, defeating his challengers in a three-way race.  During his his time in office, ​Mayor Senn has been instrumental in revitalizing Laurens, leading to the opening of numerous new restaurants and businesses. His efforts have also focused on addressing issues like vacant, derelict buildings and slum rental housing, ensuring that all neighborhoods benefit from the city's growth.

​

In addition to his local achievements, Mayor Senn has played a prominent role in regional and state leadership. He served as President of the Association of South Carolina Mayors from October 2023 until July 2024, when he was elected to serve a three-year term on the Board of the Municipal Association of South Carolina, representing the Upper Savannah Council of Governments. His work with the MASC allows him to continue advocating for the municipalities within the Upper Savannah region, including the City of Laurens, and contribute to state-wide municipal initiatives.  Recent speaking engagements include annual presentations to the Riley Mayors Design Fellowship, the 2024 SC Department of Commerce Rural Summit, and the 2024 SC Rural Transit Summit.

​

Personal Life

Nathan Senn is an avid supporter of Clemson athletics and enjoys spending time with his dog, Ellie.  He is an experienced oil painter and in his free time, he unwinds by painting oil portraits.

 

His dedication to Laurens is evident in both his professional endeavors and his personal commitment to the community's well-being. He values the charm, character, and unique culture of Laurens and strives to preserve these qualities while fostering progress and growth.

​

Mayor Senn's vision for Laurens includes continued economic development, infrastructure improvements which develop Laurens as a walkable city, and enhancing the quality of life for all residents. His leadership is characterized by a deep commitment to community engagement, professional excellence, and a collaborative approach to governance.

​

Contact Information
For more information or to contact Mayor Nathan Senn, please contact City Hall:

​

Laurens City Hall

126 E. Public Square

Laurens, SC 29360

​

Executive Assistant to the Mayor:

Lisa Canada

lcanada@cityoflaurenssc.com

864.715.9529