Matthew Stipe, Director of Anderson County Environmental and Code Enforcement (center), was recently awarded the Upper Region Individual Leadership Award.
Matthew Stipe, Director of Anderson County Environmental and Code Enforcement, has received the Upper Region Individual Leadership Award, recognizing his leadership, innovation and contributions to code enforcement and environmental initiatives in Anderson County and across the region.
Stipe was recognized for several initiatives undertaken during 2025 that expanded and modernized Anderson County’s approach to property maintenance, code enforcement and environmental protection.
Among those efforts was the development and implementation of a comprehensive demolition abatement program to address blighted and unsafe properties throughout Anderson County. Stipe also led the County’s transition to full adoption of the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), providing a more comprehensive and consistent framework for property maintenance standards.
His leadership also helped expand intergovernmental cooperation. Stipe negotiated and implemented an agreement establishing Anderson County as the code enforcement authority for the Town of Williamston, transitioning services previously handled by a private company.
Beyond his work in Anderson County, Stipe has been actively involved in advancing training and professional development for code enforcement professionals across the state. He has served as Interim Treasurer and as a member of the Training Committee for the Palmetto Property Maintenance Association, helping organize specialized training opportunities offering continuing education credits through the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.
Stipe has also worked with Palmetto Pride to support continuing education opportunities associated with the Litter Summit and has pursued grant funding to bring new technology and resources to Anderson County’s enforcement efforts, including the use of drones to assist with documenting illegal dumping sites and property conditions.
The Upper Region Individual Leadership Award recognizes Stipe’s commitment to strengthening communities through professional leadership, regional collaboration and innovative approaches to code enforcement.
“Anderson County congratulates Matthew Stipe on this recognition and thanks him for his continued service to the citizens of Anderson County,” said County Administrator Rusty Burns.
