About Me

Aditi Bussells, PhD, is a public health researcher, policy strategist, and former At-Large City Councilwoman who brings a clear, grounded voice to Southern politics and public life.

The first South Asian millennial woman hold citywide office in the region, she’s known for challenging entrenched systems, cutting through insider jargon, and showing how government decisions translate into real impacts for families and communities.

With more than a decade of experience across government, non-profit, and industry settings, Aditi helps organizations rethink how they operate. Her work spans management consulting, strategic communications, branding, and data-driven evaluation, state human services systems, and enterprise platforms like Salesforce to strengthen performance and accountability.

During her tenure on council, Dr. Bussells chaired the Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs Committee, led the Taskforce to Prevent and End Homelessness, and launched Rapid Shelter Columbia — which has already moved more than 100 residents into permanent housing in 3 years.

She led the way to have a stolen firearm ordinance later adopted at the state level and advanced initiatives around walkability, public safety, wages for first responders, and emergency infrastructure. She currently serves as vice chair of the South Carolina Opioid Recovery Fund Board, overseeing the allocation of $360 million to address the opioid epidemic. Aditi blends data expertise, governance experience, and a modern, millennial perspective. As a mom, researcher, and former elected leader, she brings candor and clarity to complex issues — offering a fresh take in a media landscape overdue for new voices.

 

Education

  • 2019 - PhD, Health Promotion Education and Behavior, University of South Carolina

  • 2013 - MPH, Health Policy, George Washington University

  • 2011  - BA, American Government, Minor, Public Health,  University of Virginia

Community

  • Vice Chair, South Carolina Opioid Recovery Settlement Fund

  • Board Member, Richland County Public Education Partners (RCPEP)

  • Board Member, Columbia Opportunity Resource (COR)

  • Board of Visitors, USC College of Arts and Sciences

  • Board Member, National League of Cities

  • Deans Executive Advisory Committee Member, USC School of Medicine

  • Former City Liaison, Columbia Museum of Art & Historic Columbia

Honors

  • Free Times Best Local Politician (2022, 2023)

  • The Post and Courier Most Influential Power List (2022, 2023)

  • USC Arnold School of Public Health Distinguished Alumni Award (2023)

  • South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Athena Young Professional Award (2022)

  • The State Newspaper Best and Brightest (2021)

  • Columbia’s Best and Brightest Under 35 (2020)

  • Doris Duke Charitable Foundation Fellowship for the Promotion of Child Health and Wellbeing

  • Norman J. Arnold Graduate Fellowship