Bob Coble

To most of his public policy, economic development and health care clients, Bob Coble is still “Mayor Bob” from his 20 years as Mayor of the City of Columbia. 

For those unfamiliar with how he has impacted the City and the entire Midlands of South Carolina, consider a few of the accolades bestowed on him:

• The Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce named him its Ambassador of the Year;
• The South Carolina Research Authority presented him with its Knowledge Economist Award;
• The Richland County Bar Association honored him with the John W. “Tootie”  Williams Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes “distinguished and meritorious service to the legal profession or to the public in professional-related activities.”

Bob is a leader within Maynard Nexsen, serving as chair of the firm’s South Carolina Public Policy and Governmental Affairs Group.  While providing key insight into the inner-working of South Carolina’s business and political landscape, he is also responsible for ensuring client needs are met efficiently and effectively.

Bob coordinates and manages client teams in order to serve individuals and businesses with interests before lawmakers at the State House. Issues the public policy team monitors include colleges and universities, economic development, health care, death care, insurance, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, telecommunications, and transportation.

As part of his enduring commitment to economic development and business growth in the Palmetto State, Bob currently serves in a number of leadership roles, including:

• Columbia World Affairs Council Chairman 
• S.C. Advisory Board of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition
• Chairman of the Midlands Alliance for Better Transportation and Roads that successfully lead the campaign to approve the 2024 Transit Referendum in Columbia and Richland County

*Registered Lobbyist

Community & Professional

• South Carolina Bar

Outside Maynard Nexsen

Bob and his wife Beth were married in 1978 and have six children and twelve grandchildren.

• Mayor of the City of Columbia, 1990 until June 2010
• Chair of the Columbia World Affairs Council, re-elected 2022
• USC Honorary Doctorate Degree of Laws
• Order of the Palmetto
• "Tootie" Williams Award (John W. Williams Distinguished Service Award)
• EngenuitySC Vision Award
• 2015 Martin Luther King Social Justice Award for community service by the University of South Carolina
• 2009 Woodrow Wilson Award for Leadership in Historic Preservation
• "Ambassador of the Year" - Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce
• Regional Leadership Award from the Central Midlands Council of Governments
• Knowledge Economist Award from the South Carolina Research Authority
• Richland School District One Hall of Fame Inductee
• Richland County Council, 1985-1988

• Martindale-Hubbell "AV" Preeminent Peer Review Rated
• Listed in Best Lawyers in America for "Lawyer of the Year" in Administrative/Regulatory Law in Columbia, S.C. in 2019 and 2023
• Listed in Best Lawyers in America for Administrative/Regulatory Law, Since 2013
• "Legal Elite of the Midlands" - Governmental Affairs, Health Care
• University of South Carolina, Compleat Lawyer Platinum Award

Writing

Appeals court says international contract requires litigation in England.

Financing Techniques for Commercial Retail Projects
Attorneys April Lucas and Bob Coble were joined by Matt Kennell from City Center Partnership, Inc. to discuss financing techniques for commercial retail projects at Maynard Nexsen's economic development seminar.

Public Policy and Government Affairs Expansion
The Public Policy and Government Affairs Practice Group was recently expanded to build upon our diverse and unique knowledge of government and how it works – and how it can work for you.

Trade Allies Directory
The new edition of Southern Business & Development magazine features the "1st Annual Trade Allies Directory." Maynard Nexsen is the only law firm listed in both North and South Carolina. What's more, Sanford Holshouser, the firm Maynard Nexsen joined forces with in January, also made the list in North Carolina.

Major Victories for City Priorities in American Recovery Conference Agreement: Report #2

Major Victories for City Priorities in American Recovery Conference Agreement: Report #2

Stimulus Spending Breakdown by State and Category

Major Victories for City Priorities in American Recovery Conference Agreement: Report #1

Top 10 Law Firms that Understand Economic Development
Maynard Nexsen is named among the top law firms in the Southeast for economic development - and is the only law firm listed in South Carolina.

Why Richland County voters kept a penny tax when other SC counties rejected one | The State

Speaking

Maynard Nexsen Economic Development Seminar, June 21, 2013, "Legislative Update".

Webinar: Legislative Session Kickoff - What's to come for the 2013 Legislative Sessions in the Carolinas?

Podcasts