Mayor Protem Melvin Fowler
Born in Welford, SC, Councilmember Fowler is the second of nine children. When he was five, Fowler’s family moved to Inman. Mr. Fowler has been on city council since 2012 and has been Mayor Protem for three years.
Mayor Protem Fowler served 24 years in the army as a commissioned officer, including 3 tours in Vietnam. He retired from the Army in 1985 as a research and development specialist involved with testing electronic equipment. He took his engineering expertise with him to Rockwell International, in California, where he worked his way up to a managing engineer, overseeing the work of 40 other engineers. In this role, Fowler worked in the company’s testing division for the B-1B aircraft, which the company manufactured for the US Air Force.
After working for Rockwell International for eight years, Fowler then went into business for himself, running his own financial advisory and insurance agency. During this time, he also worked as a part-time university instructor.
In 2010, Fowler and his wife, Louise, moved back to the east coast to be near family and settled back home in Inman in 2012.
Professional and Educational Background
In addition to his tremendous professional achievements listed above, Mayor Protem Fowler began his education career at Ben Bomar Elementary School in Inman, SC. Mr. Fowler attended Mary McLeod Bethune High School and received a B.S. in engineering from SC State University (formerly known as SC State College). Mr. Fowler is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and Spartanburg Southside Lion’s Club. Mr. Fowler is also a graduate of the Municipal Elected Officials Institute.
Community Involvement
Mayor Protem Fowler is an honorary member of the Buffalo Solders and is an active member of Zion Hill Baptist Church in Inman where he serves as a member of the men’s choir and the college student ministry. His goal before stepping off City Council is to fill our Christmas parade with as many marching bands as possible.
A Place to Live. A Place to Love.
