Mayor & Council

The City of Pooler operates under a council-manager form of municipal government, in which the mayor and city council serve as the city’s primary policy-makers. Acting as a unified governing body, they are responsible for setting policy, approving budgets, enacting local ordinances, and establishing the city’s strategic vision. They also appoint a professional city manager to oversee the daily operations of the city. Designed to promote professional management and operational efficiency, the council-manager system ensures that policy-making remains in the hands of elected representatives, while daily administration is handled by an experienced, non-political manager.

In Pooler, all elected officials are elected at large. This means that each official represents the entire city rather than a specific geographic area within it.

Mayor Karen L. Williams

Mayor Williams was elected in 2023 and began her term in January 2024. As a military wife for decades, service to country and local community involvement are an integral part of her character, and she uses those attributes in her role as mayor to serve our community. Her commitment to further her education in municipal governance is shown by her earning three out of five levels of certification. In just four years, she has completed over 170 hours of training with the University of Georgia, Carl Vinson Institute of Government and the Georgia Municipal Association and is currently working toward her fourth certificate.

Her family consists of her husband, TC, two daughters, and two grandchildren. Four generations of her family reside in Pooler. Her service to our community is evident as she is a Garden Club of Pooler member, Pooler Lions Club Scholarship Chair, a West Chatham YMCA Board Member, and a member of The Church at Godley Station.

Contact

Karen L. Williams

Mayor

(912) 748-7261

[email protected]

Councilmember Wesley Bashlor

Wesley Bashlor was born and raised in Pooler and has deep roots within the community. His history with the City of Pooler dates back to his family as early as the 1950s. All residing within Pooler, Wesley’s family is responsible...

Contact

Wesley Bashlor

Councilmember

(912) 748-7261

[email protected]

Councilmember Michael Carpenter

Michael “Chief” Carpenter, a retired Army Chief Warrant Officer, brings over a decade of military expertise and a deep commitment to community service. Alongside his wife Reah, he served globally before choosing to retire to Pooler three years ago, recognizing...

Contact

Michael Carpenter

Councilmember

(912) 748-7261

[email protected]

Mayor Pro Tem Aaron C. Henry

Aaron Henry loves travel, community, and all things data. He was born in Southern California, but moved all around the United States while growing up. He and his wife, Ashley, met and married in Colorado Springs then moved to Pooler in...

Contact

Aaron C. Henry

Mayor Pro Tem

(912) 748-7261

[email protected]

Councilmember Tom Hutcherson

Tom was born in Muncie, Indiana and is a graduate of Wabash College. His background includes Project Management (IBM), Finance and Information Technology (USTA), and Coaching (Professional Tennis Registry). He has received certifications in Not-For-Profit Accounting and Governmental Reporting, and...

Contact

Tom Hutcherson

Councilmember

(912) 748-7261

[email protected]

Councilmember Shannon Black Valim

Councilwoman Shannon Valim has proudly called Pooler “home” for the past 16 years. Elected to the council in 2010, she brings a wealth of experience in property development, holding a Georgia Real Estate License. Shannon is a devoted mother to...

Contact

Shannon Black Valim

Councilmember

(912) 748-7261

[email protected]

Councilmember John M. Wilcher

Councilmember John Michael Wilcher, a lifelong resident of Chatham County, has proudly called Pooler his home since 2014. Elected to City Council in 2020, he brings with him a wealth of experience in law enforcement, having served our community since...