Epidemiologist and Community Leader Vows to Bring Evidence-Based Strategy to Local Government

COLUMBIA, SC — Today, Dr. Chelsea Richard announced her candidacy for the Richland County Council District 5 seat. A Rosewood resident since 2017, current Vice President of Operations at Central Carolina Community Foundation, and former state government leader, Dr. Richard is running to replace "politics as usual" with evidence-based solutions for our community.

"I’m running because District 5 deserves a representative who is as proactive as they are practical," said Dr. Richard. "As a mom raising my daughter in Rosewood, I know that county-level decisions hit closest to home. I have spent my career helping communities across South Carolina build roadmaps for success, and I am ready to put that experience to work for my neighbors from the historic streets of Rosewood, Shandon, Hollywood-Rose Hill, and Wales Garden to the USC and Vista corridors, reaching across to the St. Andrews area."

Dr. Richard’s platform prioritizes:

• Expanding Child Care Access: Reducing the cost burden for local families and increasing the availability of high-quality early childhood care.

• Supporting High-Quality Schools: Partnering with district leadership to ensure tax dollars are invested in proven strategies that improve kindergarten readiness and graduation rates.

• Managing Smart Growth: Supporting economic development, modernizing infrastructure, and pursuing affordable housing solutions that respect the character of our established neighborhoods.

Meet Chelsea
Join the campaign this Saturday, March 28, at Sims Park (3500 Duncan Street) from 3:30–5:30 p.m. to discuss the future of District 5. For more information, learn about upcoming events, or to get involved, visit RichardForRichland.com.

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About Dr. Chelsea Richard
Dr. Chelsea Richard is a PhD epidemiologist, Vice President of Operations at Central Carolina Community Foundation, and a dedicated advocate for local families. With over a decade of experience in public health and state-level strategy, including leadership roles at South Carolina First Steps and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Dr. Richard specializes in using data to build bridges and to solve complex community issues. Her approach is grounded in integrity and curiosity, driving her commitment to collaborative, effective, and meaningful change. A Rosewood resident since 2017, she serves on the Richland Library Board of Trustees and as an Adjunct Faculty member at the University of South Carolina. She lives with her husband, Drew, Deputy Assessor for Richland County, their daughter, Emerson, and their two dogs and one cat. Chelsea’s headshots can be found here. Learn more at RichardForRichland.com.