Deputy Director of Engineering, City of Columbia, South Carolina
Andrea Bolling currently serves as the Deputy Director of Engineering for the City of Columbia, SC, a position she has held from at least 2022 through 2025. In this capacity, she manages internal and external engineering designs related to water, sewer, stormwater, and non-utility projects. Her responsibilities include providing engineering guidance and oversight for both utility and non-utility city infrastructure projects. Her role centrally involves coordination with engineering teams and project managers, ensuring compliance with city engineering regulations and project approval processes.
Andrea’s professional credentials include being a Professional Engineer (PE) and a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM), signifying specialized expertise in water resources and floodplain management. Her technical proficiency is further reflected in her involvement with stormwater management and hydrology, key aspects in municipal infrastructure and environmental risk mitigation.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Penn State University (1993-1997) and has completed additional advanced education or certifications between 2001 and 2003. Andrea’s qualifications also include a Six Sigma Green Belt, supporting her ability in process improvement and operational efficiency.
Andrea’s salary data from public records indicates continuous annual increases, with reported earnings of:
- $105,800 as of July 1, 2023
- $108,975 as of July 1, 2024
- $117,856 as of July 1, 2025
This upward trend suggests sustained recognition of her value within the City’s engineering leadership.
She is based in Lexington County within the Columbia metropolitan area and maintains an active professional presence on LinkedIn, with over 240 connections and 244 followers, reflecting her engagement in the professional community.
Professional Contributions and Leadership
Andrea Bolling has been recognized for her contributions to floodplain management, holding the role of Floodplain Manager for Richland County in the past and receiving the Floodplain Manager of the Year award (circa 2016) from her professional peers. This award evidences her credibility and leadership in water resource risk management and regulatory compliance.
Recent activities highlight her role in city infrastructure planning and public works initiatives, including participation in presentations at conferences such as the South Carolina Association for Hazard Mitigation (SCAHM) 2024 conference, where she shared expertise regarding local water infrastructure and flood mitigation projects. She has actively participated in high-profile local projects, including discussions around flood zone management related to Columbia’s riverfront and stormwater improvements.
Andrea has also been involved in multidisciplinary teams within the City’s Engineering and Planning departments, working alongside Assistant City Engineers and Planning Administrators. She coordinates frequently with the city’s GIS technicians and construction management personnel to ensure accurate design implementation and standards compliance.
Technical and Strategic Focus Areas
- Internal and external engineering design management for municipal water, sewer, and stormwater systems.
- Stormwater infrastructure improvements and floodplain regulation compliance.
- Utility coordination for capital improvement projects (CIP) with implications on long-term city infrastructure maintenance and resilience.
- Process improvement and quality management reflected by Six Sigma certification.
- Active involvement in hazard mitigation and sustainability initiatives.
Contact and Professional Networking
Andrea Bolling’s verified email address is Andrea.Bolling@ColumbiaSC.gov, and her office contact phone number is listed as (803) 545-3379 through City of Columbia channels. Her LinkedIn profile ([linkedin.com/in/andrea-bolling-2ba4ba42](https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-bolling-2ba4ba42)) offers access to her professional updates, endorsements, and network.
Relevant Organizational Context
The City of Columbia operates complex water, sewer, and stormwater systems serving a broad metropolitan population. Capital projects under Andrea’s purview often span multiple fiscal years, necessitating ongoing design stewardship and coordination with city council and public stakeholders.
Andrea’s position as Deputy Director places her in a key role for technical decision-making and operational leadership. Her repeated salary increases and participation in public presentations demonstrate organizational trust and a high degree of professional responsibility over critical public infrastructure assets.
In summary, Andrea Bolling embodies a technically skilled engineering leadership profile with proven expertise in municipal water infrastructure and floodplain management. Her role is central to the City of Columbia’s infrastructure projects, regulatory compliance, and sustainability initiatives. Engaging with her should align closely with discussions on engineering design solutions, capital improvement planning, and flood risk mitigation strategies.
