Barbara Melvin is the new president and CEO of South Carolina Ports (SC Ports), becoming the first woman to lead a top 10 US container port.
Over the past 24 years, Melvin has held various roles at SC Ports and led major infrastructure projects.
In fact, Melvin has served as the port’s chief operating officer since 2018.
She will now lead the nearly 1,000-person SC Ports team, which is responsible for maintaining cargo traffic through the Port of Charleston, Inland Port Greer and Inland Port Dillon.
“I am truly honored to lead our amazing team at SC Ports, who I have had the privilege of working with over the past two decades,” said Melvin, adding, “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 SC Ports history. 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.
“Her leadership will assure SC Ports continues to flourish as a top 10 U.S. container port and as a great economic engine for our state,” he added.
Melvin takes on this role after 15 consecutive months of record cargo volumes, which were met amid major supply chain challenges.
“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,” highlighted Melvin, who concluded, “Our port investments will yield economic benefits for generations to come.”
