Butch Kirven, one of the longest-serving council members in Greenville County history, was awarded the Order of the Palmetto during a special ceremony at the beginning of County Council’s Nov. 3 meeting.
Greenville Mayor Knox White presented Kirven the honor on behalf of Gov. Henry McMaster.
Considered South Carolina’s highest civilian honor and awarded by the governor to residents in recognition of a lifetime of extraordinary achievement, the Order of the Palmetto was established in 1971 by Gov. John C. West.
“It’s rare to find a public servant who combines vision, integrity and the ability to get things done effectively as Butch Kirven,” White said.
Kirven was elected to council in 2004 and served as chairman from 2005-2012 and 2017-2020. He has served as the chairman of council’s finance committee, on the Greenville-Pickens Transportation Study’s policy committee, on the Appalachian Council of Government’s board of directors and on the S.C. Association of Counties board of directors.
Kirven also served 37 years in the U.S. Army National Guard and retired with the rank of brigadier general in 2003.
In accepting the honor, Kirven said his accomplishments would not have been possible without the many community leaders he has worked with throughout his career.
“I’ve been fortunate to know so many great people and learn from them,” he said.
During the same meeting as the Order of the Palmetto presentation, County Council approved naming the veterans memorial in front of County Square as the Herman G. “Butch” Kirven Veterans Plaza.
