Jeffrey R. Graham

His jobs: Real estate agent at Graham Realty and mayor of Camden

Age: 26

Family: wife, Sara

Education: Bachelor’s degree, business administration, Presbyterian College

Honors and memberships: Eagle Scout; board member, vice president/tourism, Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce; chair of The Camden Polo Match for the Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County; board, Camden Rotary; church youth volunteer; chair, Kershaw County Democratic Party; United Way; Kershaw County Housing Partnership; Applied Technology Education Campus Advisory Council; Kershaw County Gang Task Force

From his nomination: “This is his first elected position but not his first leadership role. He’s always been involved. He is motivated and compassionate. He’s very composed.” — Johnny Deal, First Palmetto Savings Bank

You’ve just been elected the youngest mayor of Camden. Does that make you’re a success? “Now I’ve got my work cut out for me.” For Camden, Graham has “goals and objectives (for) where we want to be. … You can be successful without meeting all your objectives. The reality of it is that you do the best you can.”

How much of your current success has to do with being in the right place at the right time? “Obviously, growing up in (Camden) makes it a little easier to run (for mayor), but the other part is working hard. I have always wanted to work hard. I like to make an impression where I’ve been.”

Is there a lot of pressure being declared successful at a young age? “I’m the youngest (sibling). I’ve always had a challenge to keep up with them (a brother and sister). … People want me to be successful. People want me to do a good job, so they’re willing to help.”

Do you live by a certain mantra? “Service has been a huge part of my upbringing. It was John Wesley (the founder of Methodism) who said: Do all the good for all the people you can as long as you can. Serving the community is an important part of who I am.”

You have several lifetimes yet. What will you do with them? “I don’t know. I’ll take opportunities as they come. Right now, I’m interested in Camden.”

There’s a lot to be pessimistic with the economy about now. What are you optimistic about? “We’ve got a new presidential administration. I think they’ll bring some vision and ideas. … I try to look at the positive side of a lot of things. We have a lot of great people (in Camden) who do a lot of great things in their community. … Hard times challenge us to realize that we can work together.”