Outside of his statutory duties as Mayor he is known for assembling interested citizens in collaborative initiatives including educating the public on rising sea levels, leading coastal Mayors in the fight against off shore drilling on the Atlantic coast, youth leadership, cultural development and efforts to recognize and promote compassion throughout the community to name a few.

In 2000, Billy was elected to Beaufort City Council. In 2008 Billy became Mayor and was re-elected without opposition in 2012 and 2016.

Keyserling led the effort at the local, state and national level to make the long sought after national reconstruction monument a reality in 2016.

Well known for his cultural and environmental advocacy, Keyserling (on behalf of the City of Beaufort and the Center for the Arts at USC Beaufort) was awarded the Elizabeth O’Neill Verner Award by the state of SC and the Green Tie Award by the League of Conservation Voters.

Keyserling received his BS, Magna Cum Laude, from Brandeis University and a Masters in Public Relations from Boston University. He is a graduate of Leadership South Carolina, an alumnus of The Fleming Fellows Legislative Leaders Institute and The Diversity Leadership Institute of the Riley Center at Furman University and was selected to serve in the acclaimed Mayors Design Institute of the National League of Cities, the American Architecture Institute and the National Endowment for the Arts. He is currently serving as a Board member of the SC Humanities and The Municipal Association of SC
Billy is the collaborator/visionary behind a book written by an eight year-old, illustrated by an 83 year old retired New York artist, titled the Pink Dolphin that teaches young and old that our communities are better and stronger when we harness diversity and work together for the benefit of all.

Keyserling led the effort at the local, state and national level to make the long sought after National Reconstruction Era Monument a reality in 2016.

Well known for his cultural and environmental advocacy, Keyserling was awarded the Elizabeth O’Neill Verner Award by the state of SC and the Green Tie Award by the League of Conservation Voters.