City of Columbia announces new Director for Office of Business Opportunities
January 9, 2018
The City of Columbia has selected Melissa L. Lindler as the new Director for the Office of Business Opportunities (OBO).
Lindler comes to the City with more than 20 years of experience working for government and non-profit entities. Most recently she served as the Director of District Planning and Outreach for U.S. Congressman Jim Clyburn where she was responsible for assisting constituents with the federal grant making process, funding identification and evaluation. Her additional experience includes positions as an Assistant Vice President and Director of Development for South Carolina State University and the SC Department of Education where she managed the Youth Court pilot initiative. She also served as the Interim Executive Director of the Williamsburg Enterprise Community Commission where she was responsible for the small business development center and other community-based initiatives.
Lindler is a graduate of the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts in political science and a Master of Public Administration. She also earned a graduate certificate from Indiana University and Purdue University in Public Management.
Lindler says, “I am very excited about this tremendous opportunity and look forward to helping small, minority, and women owned businesses obtain success in our City through the utilization of the various lending programs, training, and technical assistance offered through the Office of Business Opportunities.”
City Manager Teresa Wilson says, “Melissa will be an asset to the talented team that makes up the OBO Office and we look forward to the future of the department with her leading the way.”
Assistant City Manager of Development Missy Gentry stated, “The City is excited about Ms. Lindler filling the OBO Director position. The City’s focus on outreach and support of our small, minority and disadvantaged businesses is stronger than ever. Ms. Lindler has the experience, skills and ability to lead the Office of Business Opportunities while strengthening the impact we have on those businesses that are so valuable to our City and our community.
The Office of Business Opportunities is a resource for small, minority-owned and women-owned business in the City of Columbia to provide creative business opportunities to address many of the obstacles that small business owners face. To learn more about the programs and services offered by the office please call (803) 545-3950 or send a message to [email protected].
