City of Landrum Appoints John “J.J.” Sauve as Interim City Administrator
LANDRUM, S.C. — Landrum City Council appointed John “J.J.” Sauve, JD, MPA as Interim City Administrator at a special meeting Friday evening, March 13, 2026. Sauve was appointed and will begin serving immediately as the city transitions following the resignation of City Administrator, Shannon Baldwin.
Mayor Bob Briggs said council believed Sauve’s combination of professional experience and deep local roots made him well suited to help guide the city during the transition.
“J.J. brings something to this role that really matters to our community—he grew up right here in this area and understands what makes Landrum special,” Briggs said. “He’s got the education and experience from working in local government and consulting for more than twenty years, but he’s also someone who’s been part of this community for a long time. Council felt like J.J. was the right person to help guide things during this transition.”
Sauve said he is grateful for the confidence placed in him by the Mayor and City Council and looks forward to working with Baldwin over the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition.
“I appreciate the opportunity to serve the City of Landrum during this transition,” Sauve said. “Shannon has devoted a great deal of energy over the past year to advancing some very important initiatives for the city. I look forward to working with him and with Council to ensure the hard work that’s already underway continues moving forward and comes to fruition.”
During his tenure, Baldwin helped lead several key planning initiatives, including the development of Landrum’s first strategic plan, work on the Trailside Downtown Master Plan and Market Pavilion Master Plan, and efforts to map the City’s streets and sidewalks. He also oversaw the hiring of a new streets department supervisor and police chief and helped position the city for future planning efforts tied to anticipated growth.
Sauve brings a background in law, consulting, and public-sector management to the role. He holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and has completed advanced municipal leadership training through the UNC School of Government and the International City and County Management Association. His public service career spans more than two decades, working with local governments, nonprofit organizations, and private-sector clients on governance, project management, and organizational strategy.
He recently completed a two-year assignment as Deputy City Manager for the City of Beaufort, South Carolina, where he worked with staff and elected officials to modernize internal operations and strengthen long-term planning. His work included updating municipal policies and procedures, implementing new technologies to improve organizational effectiveness, and organizing the City’s first project management system and comprehensive Capital Improvements Program to better coordinate infrastructure investments.
Although his professional experience has taken him throughout the region, Sauve emphasized that the Landrum and Tryon area has always been home.
“This community has always been home for me,” Sauve said. “It’s where I grew up, where I first started serving as a junior firefighter and summer laborer, and where I later built my professional life as a police officer, prosecutor, and local attorney working with families, small businesses, and public organizations. It’s also where my wife and I go to church, where she built her business, and where we are raising our children. Like so many other residents, I want to see Landrum and the surrounding areas grow in a way that respects the history and character of the community while planning responsibly for the future.”
Sauve recently joined longtime Tryon attorney Andy Haynes in legal practice, forming the firm Haynes & Sauve, Attorneys and Advisors. His wife, Nikki Sauve is a local business owner and long-time equestrian in the region.
Sauve has also been active in local volunteer service. He has done work with the Tryon Fire Department since 2005 and has worked with the Landrum Area Fire and Rescue District since 2021. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Columbus Fire Department.
Sauve said his focus during the transition will be working closely with City staff, Council, and residents to ensure the city continues moving forward while preserving the values and character that have long defined the community.
“Landrum has a strong foundation and a lot of positive momentum,” Sauve said. “My goal is simply to work alongside Council, staff, and the community to make sure that momentum continues in a way that reflects the priorities and values of the people who call this place home.”
For additional information, contact:
Tricia Taber, Public Relations & Marketing Director
City of Landrum
100 N. Shamrock Avenue
Landrum, SC 29356
(864)-457-3000
tricia.taber@cityoflandrumsc.com