Three years after taking the helm, South Carolina Ports Authority President and Chief Executive Barbara Melvin resigned August 21 to pursue other opportunities.
Melvin began her career at SC Ports in 1998 and led the agency during the time the Port of Charleston became the busiest southern port along the U.S. East Coast. Her tenure included major infrastructure initiatives including the Charleston harbor deepening project.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to have served South Carolina and the Ports Authority over these many years,” said Melvin, in a release. “However, for personal and professional reasons, I want to pursue other opportunities. I take pride in what has been accomplished by the Port while I have served it in multiple roles. Knowing the resiliency of the Ports Authority and its people, I have no doubt even more success is in its future.”
Agency Chief Financial Officer and Vice President, Administration Phillip Padgett has been named as interim CEO, effective immediately.
South Carolina Ports handled 2.6 million twenty foot equivalent units (TEUs) in fiscal 2025, up 3% from 2024.
“The Board thanks Barbara for her long public service to the State through her work at the Ports Authority,” said Bill Stern, chairman of the SC Ports Board of Directors, in the release. “She has been instrumental in moving the Ports Authority in a positive direction as CEO these last three years and advancing several critical infrastructure projects, including overseeing the reopening of the Leatherman Terminal. We wish her the best as she embarks upon new challenges and opportunities.”
Padgett joined SC Ports in 2016 as controller, and as CFO is responsible for the financial, risk management and real estate activities.
“I look forward to continue serving the Port and leading our team as interim CEO until a replacement is named,” said Padgett. “SC Ports remains committed to providing reliable and efficient port service to our customers, and continuing to serve as a trusted partner to the entire South Carolina maritime community.”
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