South Carolina Ports’ Barbara Melvin has started her new role as President and CEO, becoming the first woman to lead a top 10 US operating container port.
Over the past 24 years, Melvin has served SC Ports in a variety of roles and led major infrastructure projects.
Melvin has served as the port’s Chief Operating Officer since 2018.
Melvin will now lead the near 1,000-person SC Ports team, working at the Port of Charleston, Inland Port Greer and Inland Port Dillon.
“I am truly honoured to lead our amazing team at SC Ports, who I have had the privilege of working with over the past two decades,” Melvin said.
“Alongside our partners, we will work together to achieve operational excellence, deliver new infrastructure and grow our cargo base in support of our customers and our communities.”
Melvin is the sixth leader in the history of SC Ports. She succeeds Jim Newsome, who served as President and CEO of SC Ports for the past 13 years.
“Barbara Melvin will undoubtedly continue to build on the great success and growth at South Carolina Ports,” SC Ports Board Chairman Bill Stern said.
Melvin takes the helm following 15 consecutive months of record cargo volumes.
Amongst ongoing projects, an expansion of Inland Port Greer is underway to enhance capacity at the Upstate terminal. SC Ports is also launching its port-operated chassis SMART Pool.
The Charleston Harbor Deepening Project is on track for completion this fall, making Charleston the deepest harbour on the East Coast at 52 feet.
“With the skill and talent of our team, the solid experience from our maritime community, the guidance from our Board of Directors, and the support from our elected, business and community leaders, SC Ports will continue to grow, bringing jobs and investments to our state,” Melvin said. “Our port investments will yield economic benefits for generations to come.”
