Logo for Deanna Miller for Charleston political campaign, featuring a stylized image of a sunrise or sunset over water with grass or reeds.

Hi, I’m DeAnna.

I’m running for Charleston City Council because our city is at a turning point—and James Island needs someone who knows it, loves it, and will fight to protect it.

I’ve spent over 20 years living, working, volunteering, and raising my family here. I know James Island. I know the people, the faces, the pride. I’ve stood beside neighbors at school fundraisers, at football games, zoning meetings—you name it. I’ve felt the sense of community that makes this place unlike anywhere else.

But I’ve also seen what’s putting it at risk. Short-sighted development that chips away at our marshlands, our grand oaks, and our way of life. Lip service to “responsibility” while the landscape we love is changed forever. That’s not progress—it’s a warning sign.

I’m not a politician. I’m your neighbor. A parent. I run a small business. Someone who believes that public service means taking care of the place we call home. I'm ready to get to work—and I hope you’ll join me.

A woman with blonde hair wearing a pink button-up shirt, standing at a hotel or restaurant reception desk, smiling with her arms crossed, in a modern, well-lit interior with decorative shelving and plants in the background.

PRESERVATION. PREVENTION. PROGRESS. PEOPLE FIRST.

Charleston deserves leadership that’s driven by more than party lines or developer pressure. My campaign is grounded in four key principles: Preservation, Prevention, Progress, and People-First Leadership. I’m committed to protecting the natural and historic spaces that make Charleston and James Island so special—from our grand oaks to our marshes and waterways. I believe in preventing problems before they start, whether that’s unmanaged flooding, traffic gridlock, or overburdened schools and infrastructure. I support smart, sustainable progress that works for the people who live here—not just those looking to profit. And most importantly, I believe that public service should be people-first. That means listening, showing up, and being a neighbor—not just a name on a ballot.

My campaign is grounded in four key principles: Preservation, Prevention, Progress, and People First Leadership.

  • PRESERVATION

    Charleston’s natural beauty and historic character are not renewable resources. I’m committed to preserving what makes our community unique - our marshlands, our tree canopies, and our historic homes. On James Island, we're watching grand oaks fall and marshes disappear under the weight of unchecked development. These aren’t small changes, they’re permanent losses. I will advocate for stronger protections for our natural spaces and support land use decisions that put long-term community value ahead of short-term profit.

  • PREVENTION

    It’s time to stop reacting after the damage is done. Prevention means addressing flooding, infrastructure strain, and environmental degradation before they overwhelm us. James Island residents are tired of “we’re working on it” while roads crumble, intersections clog, and stormwater floods yards. I will push for proactive infrastructure planning, smarter zoning, and stormwater regulations that actually work , while also keeping a close eye on new development that eats away at our green space. Prevention isn’t flashy, but it’s the foundation of good government.

  • PROGRESS

    Prevention means protecting James Island before problems become crises. That includes addressing flooding, infrastructure strain, and environmental loss at the source. Residents are tired of hearing “we’re working on it” while roads crumble, intersections clog, and stormwater fills yards. I’ll push for smarter zoning, stormwater rules that actually work, and careful oversight of new development so we don’t lose precious greenspace. Prevention may not be glamorous, but it’s the kind of steady, responsible leadership our community deserves.

  • PEOPLE FIRST

    This isn’t about waiting for problems to pile up, it’s about stopping them before they ever start. James Island needs a council member who knows flooding, traffic, and loss of greenspace can’t be solved with “we’re working on it.” From zoning meetings to stormwater oversight, I’ll be there, and I will be asking tough questions, pushing for smarter planning, and making sure new development doesn’t overwhelm our community. Prevention may not grab headlines, but it’s what keeps neighborhoods safe, strong, and truly thriving. I will work for James Island and Charleston.

  • Community Leader & Advocate – Chair of the James Island Charter High School Discipline Committee 2022 - 2025. Former Volunteer Coordinator at Charleston HALOS, Co-Chair of St. Andrews School Improvement Council; helped preserve St. Andrews’ partial magnet status and mentored students at James Island Charter High School and volunteer at We Are Family.

  • Youth & Family Engagement – An active member of the fencing community, I introduced and expanded fencing programs at the James Island Recreation Center. I also served as Athletic Liaison for the James Island Cheer Team and dedicated years to the James Island Youth Soccer Club as Micro Soccer Coordinator, PR Coordinator, and coach.

  • Defender of James Island – Research, organize, and advocate against irresponsible development; keep the Ocean Neighbors, Ft. Lamar and Secessionville corridor informed and engaged on local planning, zoning, and environmental issues.

  • Professional Experience & Education – Nearly two decades in creative leadership and marketing, currently Managing Director at 82 South overseeing national brand campaigns; former Director of Creative Services at Fox 24; College of Charleston graduate with a B.A. in Communication Studies.