Greenville Municipal Court Judge Matt Hawley will retire in the summer of 2026, the city announced Feb. 17.
Greenville City Council first appointed Hawley to the Municipal Court in September 1996. Greenville Mayor Knox White said in a post on the city’s website that Hawley has been a steady and respected presence in Greenville law enforcement for three decades.
“His leadership and commitment to fairness have shaped our Municipal Court into one of the most respected in the state,” White said.
According to the city, Hawley has presided over thousands of cases during his 30-year tenure.
Hawley has also led efforts to modernize the Municipal Court, including digitizing court records, streamlining case management, and adding online payment and scheduling systems. The Greenville Municipal Court relocated to the city’s Public Safety Campus and Municipal Complex on Halton Road in 2024.
Greenville City Council will begin the search process for Hawley’s successor. According to the city, Hawley will help mentor his successor to ensure a seamless transition. Hawley said in a post on the city’s website that it has been an honor to work alongside the City Council and serve the people of Greenville.
“I am proud of the progress we’ve made in modernizing the court and ensuring justice is accessible and fair,” Hawley said. “I look forward to supporting the transition and mentoring the next judge.”
