The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced Melissa Lindler has been named as the District Director for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s South Carolina District Office located in Columbia.
As District Director Lindler will oversee SBA operations across the state, ensuring entrepreneurs and small business owners have access to the tools, resources, and support necessary to grow and thrive in South Carolina’s economy.
A native of Irmo Lindler brings decades of extensive experience in public administration, economic development, and community empowerment to this leadership role.
“We are thrilled to welcome Lindler to the SBA’s South Carolina District Office,” said Janita Stewart, Acting Regional Administrator, Southeast Region. “Her wealth of experience and dedication to economic development will undoubtedly enhance our efforts to support and empower South Carolina’s small businesses.”
Most recently, she served as Chief of Staff at the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission (SCRC). In this capacity, she provided strategic counsel to leadership while advancing the Commission’s mission to foster economic development and enhance the quality of life across a seven-state region.
Prior to her tenure at SCRC, Lindler served as the Director of the Office of Business Opportunities for the Columbia. In this role, she spearheaded initiatives to support small, minority, and women-owned businesses, overseeing critical programs and initiatives such as the City’s commercial revolving loan funds, contractor and supplier initiatives, and commercial retention and redevelopment strategies.
“I am honored to join the SBA as District Director for South Carolina,” said Lindler. “Throughout my career, I have been passionate about supporting small businesses and fostering economic growth. I look forward to collaborating with our partners and stakeholders to ensure that entrepreneurs across the state have the resources they need to succeed.”
Lindler holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration from the University of South Carolina. She also possesses a graduate certification in Public Management from Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis and a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification through the Project Management Institute (PMI).
