South Carolina Ports said Barbara Melvin is stepping into her new role as president and CEO on July 1, marking the first woman to lead a top 10 U.S. operating container port.
In a statement, SC Ports noted that over the past 24 years, Melvin has served SC Ports in a variety of roles and led major infrastructure projects. She was also the port's chief operating officer since 2018.
"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," 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."
SC Ports noted that Melvin will now lead the nearly 1,000-person SC Ports team, who is responsible for keeping freight moving through the Port of Charleston, Inland Port Greer, and Inland Port Dillon.
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," said Bill Stern, SC Ports Board Chairman.
"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," Stern added.
The port noted that Melvin takes the helm at SC Ports following 15 consecutive months of record cargo volumes, which were handled amid great supply chain challenges.