Director / Purchasing Agent, City of Columbia MRF
Professional Role and Responsibilities
Shannon S. Lizewski holds the position of Director / Purchasing Agent at the City of Columbia, South Carolina. In this capacity, she leads the municipal procurement and contracts operations, overseeing purchasing policies, contract negotiation, and vendor management for the city. Her role is pivotal in directing procurement strategies that support multiple city departments including major public works and utilities projects linked with the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) and broader municipal infrastructure.
She is responsible for managing procurement goals and implementing environmentally conscious procurement initiatives aligned with municipal priorities. Her leadership is integral to the City of Columbia’s operational efficiency and compliance with both local and federal procurement regulations.
Contact Information
- Email: shannon.lizewski@columbiasc.gov
- Phone: 803-545-3470
- Fax: 803-758-1013
- Office: City of Columbia Procurement & Contracts Division
Education and Credentials
- Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) – Issued May 2015 by UPPCC
- NIGP-Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP)
- Project Manager Certification – Midlands Technical College, July 2016
- Bizagi Process Modeler – Bizagi, June 2015
- Advanced Supervisory Certificate – Midlands Technical College, April 2006
- Water Treatment Operator License – South Carolina Environmental Certification Board, July 2001
- Educational Background includes studies at Strayer University (2003–2008)
Professional Experience
- Over 6 years of specialized contract negotiation and management experience, focusing particularly on Architectural and Engineering Professional Services.
- Currently occupies a senior leadership role as the Director of Procurement and Contracts for the City of Columbia.
- Former Deputy Director for Procurement & Contracts, demonstrating progressive advancement within the city’s procurement framework.
Awards and Honors
- Herman F. Wiedeman Award – South Carolina American Water Works Association, March 2015
- George Warren Fuller Award – American Water Works Association, June 2013
- 5S Society Induction – Water Environment Association of South Carolina, March 2010
- Young Professional of the Year – South Carolina American Water Works Association, March 2003
These awards indicate significant acknowledgment from public procurement and water environment sectors, highlighting her contributions and leadership within these areas.
Professional Affiliations
- NIGP: The Institute for Public Procurement (Member since January 2014)
- South Carolina Association of Governmental Purchasing Officials (Member since April 2014)
- American Water Works Association (AWWA) (Active since June 1999)
- Held multiple leadership roles, including:
- Chair, Executive Committee (2011-2012)
- Chair, Personnel Committee
- Chair, Conference Management Committee
- Chair, Advancement & Education Committee
- Member, Joint Steering Committee & Student Activities Committee
- Water Environment Association of South Carolina (WEASC)
- Member of the Capital District Committee since June 1999
The extensive involvement in these organizations reflects deep expertise in public procurement processes, water management, and environmental services. These networks also suggest significant influence and access within public sector procurement circles, particularly related to infrastructure and environmental services.
Professional Interests and Recent Contributions
- Shannon Lizewski has been involved in driving procurement reform and modernization efforts within the City of Columbia, collaborating with multiple departments to enhance efficiency and transparency in municipal purchasing.
- She was cited in the City of Columbia's June 2024 communications as a key procurement leader alongside the Director of Office of Business Opportunities (OBO), reflecting current active engagement in advancing procurement practices aligned with equity and local business growth initiatives.
- The City pays Shannon an annual salary of approximately $104,545 as Director of Procurement & Contracts as of July 2024, positioning her as a senior executive-level leader within City government.
- She has directly influenced procurement policies contributing to compliance with regulatory standards, and her role implies significant involvement in sizeable contracts, particularly with an environmental and infrastructure focus aligned to city utilities and MRF operations.
Summary
Shannon Lizewski, CPPO, is a seasoned municipal procurement executive with over a decade of experience in public sector purchasing, contract negotiation, and process improvement, primarily within the City of Columbia. Her specialty extends across environmental services, waterworks, and architectural/engineering professional service contracts. She holds several recognized industry certifications and has been repeatedly honored for her professional excellence. Her leadership in the procurement division directly impacts all sourcing, vendor management, and contract compliance for the city’s public works and MRF-related projects, making her a critical contact for procurement-related initiatives at the City of Columbia.
LinkedIn Profile: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-lizewski-cppo-b4844714](https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-lizewski-cppo-b4844714)
