For Immediate Release – July 6, 2026
City of Florence Introduces New Water Resource Director
Media Contacts:
Scotty Davis, City Manager, sdavis@cityofflorencesc.gov or 843-665-3113
FLORENCE, SC – The City of Florence welcomes Sarah Hickman as the City’s new Water Resources Director. Sarah is a Florence native, and a proud graduate of South Florence High School. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Francis Marion University and later completed a Master of Science in Environmental Science from Webster University.
The City Manager, Scotty Davis, said, “The addition of this new position is a demonstration of the city’s continued commitment for “Investing Today. Building Tomorrow. Serving our Community.” The Water Resources Director will be responsible for overseeing water production operations at both surface water and groundwater treatment plants, with a primary focus on ensuring the delivery of reliable and consistently high-quality water for our customers.”
With more than 17 years of experience in the water and wastewater industry, Sarah has built a distinguished career in environmental compliance, laboratory management, and utility operations.
From 2014 to 2020, Sarah served as Laboratory Manager for the City of Columbia Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant, the largest wastewater treatment facility in South Carolina. In this role, she collaborated on the city's U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Consent Decree, led laboratory data collection supporting multi-million-dollar capital improvement projects, managed the laboratory budget, developed Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and laboratory bid specifications, hired and trained laboratory personnel, prepared employees for certification testing, and oversaw all laboratory operations.
In 2020, Sarah relocated to South Carolina's Lowcountry and joined the Hilton Head Public Service District as Water Quality Supervisor, serving through June 2026. Her responsibilities included overseeing the daily operation of the water quality laboratory,
ensuring regulatory compliance, addressing customer concerns related to water quality, and training new operators.
Sarah has earned numerous professional certifications and recognition throughout her career, including:
- Class "A" Water Operator
- Class "A" Water Distribution Operator
- Class "A" Wastewater Operator
- 2024 South Carolina Water Environment Association Crystal Crucible State Award for Excellence in Water Laboratory Operations
- Represented the United States at the 2024 International Federation of Alternative (Environmental) Trade (IFAT) World Competition in Munich, Germany, earning First Place in Wastewater Process Control and a Silver Medal for Overall Performance in the Wastewater Professional Category
- 2025 South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) Laboratory Excellence Award
Sarah’s professional excellence is reflected in her commitment to operational excellence, regulatory compliance, workforce development, and the advancement of the water and wastewater profession through technical expertise and strong leadership.
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