Max Heller

Max Moses Heller (May 28, 1919 – June 13, 2011) was an American civic leader who served as the 29th mayor of Greenville, South Carolina from 1971 to 1979. Before his time as mayor, Heller lived in Austria and escaped during World War Two.

Early life
Heller was born in Vienna, Austria, in 1919 to Israel and Leah Heller, he escaped Austria during its invasion by the Nazis in 1938.

Public career
Through a foreign friend, Heller was able to secure a job in Greenville, South Carolina. After his wife came from Austria later, he decided to live there. He worked at a shirt-making company for twenty years. He joined the Greenville City Council in 1968 and became mayor from 1971 to 1979. During his time as mayor he revitalized downtown Greenville and oversaw multiple construction projects. He was the first mayor to have 4 year terms. After his time as mayor he was appointed to the State Development Board. Heller has a plaza named after him and a statue across from the Hyatt Hotel, a building proposed by him. He died on June 13, 2011, at the age of 92 in Greenville.