Billy Keyserling

A proud native of Beaufort, South Carolina, Billy Keyserling has devoted over 50 years to a distinguished career in public service, government, and the non-profit sector. His experience includes pivotal roles in the U.S. House and Senate, as well as serving as the Washington Director of the National Conference on Soviet Jewry, where he collaborated with parliamentarians from 35 countries to advocate for human rights and global awareness.

Billy’s dedication to local governance is evidenced by his two terms in the South Carolina House of Representatives and 16 years on the Beaufort City Council, including a notable 12 years as Mayor. Under his leadership, Beaufort witnessed significant advancements in community development and civic engagement. He is a proud graduate of Brandeis University (Magna Cum Laude) and holds a master’s degree in public communication from Boston University.

Since his retirement in 2020, Billy has passionately championed the establishment of the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park and Network in Beaufort, reflecting his commitment to preserving and promoting America’s rich history. His contributions to the arts, humanities, and environmental causes have garnered statewide recognition.

An accomplished author, Billy wrote The Pink Dolphin with an 8 year old young student named Thomas to promote collaboration and diversity, and Sharing Common Ground: Promises Unfulfilled but Not Forgotten, which explores the importance of connection in society.

Additionally, he is co-authoring a new book focused on disabilities, aiming to raise awareness and advocate for inclusivity. He is the executive producer of Mark: A Call to Action, a documentary that further emphasizes social justice issues, and currently serves on the board of the Mark Bookman Foundation.

Mission

“We are nothing more or less than the sum of our personal experiences. If each of the members (of Congress) made the time to get to know one another, there would be less gridlock in Washington so that we could get things done.” -Rep. James Clyburn 

Too often, we define ourselves by our differences, building walls that keep us from understanding one another. Sharing Common Ground seeks to gently break down those barriers – fostering dialogue, connection, and collaboration to build a more inclusive and civil society.

At our core, we all share the same red blood. It binds us more than anything can divide us. If we must go back to the basics, let’s do it.

Let's Talk

Let’s work together and commit to understanding each other.