• Email: hal.millard@patch.com
• Phone: 803-237-2341
• Hometown: Spartanburg, SC
• Birthday: October 1

Hal Millard was born and raised in Spartanburg, S.C. and is a graduate of the University of South Carolina's School of Journalism. Hal has been a news reporter and editor for nearly 22 years. With a strong background in government reporting, as well as business and financial reporting, Hal has worked at news publications throughout the nation, including stints in Florida, Alaska, New England, Georgia, the Carolinas, and Washington, D.C. 

In addition to his wide-ranging experience as a print reporter and freelance journalist, Hal also previously served as managing editor for three of the nation's leading and most influential business newsletters, covering the real estate and banking industries. 

Hal's greatest joys in life are his teenage son, Ethan, who lives in Asheville, N.C., and music. In addition to his professional career as a journalist, Hal has also been a professional drummer who has performed and recorded with numerous acts throughout the United States.

My Beliefs

At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.

Politics 

How would you describe your political beliefs?

I am a left-leaning Independent. 

Religion

How religious would you consider yourself? (casual, observant, devout, non religious)

I was raised Southern Baptist, but no longer follow any particular denomination or faith. I respect all religions, so far as they in turn respect the beliefs of non-believers and those of other faiths.  

Local Hot-Button Issues

What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?

Economic development and growth, downtown revitalization, and traffic, among others.