Paul Livingston has been a member of Richland County Council for more than 25 years and has been extremely instrumental in guiding County policy. He represents Richland County Council District 4.
As a lifelong resident of Richland County, Mr. Livingston has made significant and long-lasting contributions in the areas of economic development, education and the arts. Well-versed and trained in the area of economic development, he has played an integral role in attracting major industry to South Carolina, Richland County and the Midlands. He is personally committed to the economic future of the Palmetto State and has taken additional steps to receive training, such as graduating from the S.C. Economic Developer’s School. Moreover, he serves on several major regional economic development boards. He is former vice chairman of the Central SC Economic Development Alliance and current chair of the EngenuitySC Board of Directors.
Prior to serving on County Council, Mr. Livingston served as a commissioner on the Richland School District 1 School Board. He has a passion for education and holds both graduate and undergraduate degrees from the University of South Carolina.
He was married to the late Deborah Christie Livingston and is the parent of two adult children. It is his hope that his career in public service not only be a legacy that helped the community thrive economically but one that stressed the importance of both education and the arts.
Councilman Livingston has spent most of his professional career at Midlands Technical College in several roles, including psychology instructor, program director, and department head, and he currently serves as the college's Director of Community Development.
A synopsis of Mr. Livingston’s service:
- Member, Richland County Council, Chairman (2000-2002, 2009-2011)
- Former member and chair, Board of Commissioners of Richland School District 1 (1984-1990)
- Former member, Columbia Museum of Art Board of Directors
- Former member, State Advisory Council for Vocational and Technical Education (appointed by governor)
- Member, City Center Partnership Board
- Executive board member, EngenuitySC
- Member and former president, 100 Black Men of Greater Columbia
Awards/honors:
- National Institute of Staff and Organizational Development Award, 1996
- Outstanding USC Alumnus for Professional Excellence and Community Volunteer Service Award, 1989
- Outstanding Young Men of American Recipient, 1987
- Midlands Technical College Teacher of the Year
- United Way Volunteer of the Year Runner-up award for the Midlands, 1980
- Nominee to Who’s Who Among American Black Professors
- Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce’s Business Diversity Advocate Award Nominee, 2005