Charleston, South Carolina, October 7, 2025
News Summary
Micah Mallace has been appointed as the new president and CEO of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, effective October 6, 2025. This decision comes after Mallace’s successful tenure in various roles within the organization, including his recent position as president of Harbor Logistics. The board praised Mallace’s vision and experience in the maritime industry, noting his prior contributions to attracting significant business to the Port of Charleston. His first day in the role is set for October 13, 2025.
Charleston, South Carolina – Micah Mallace has been appointed as the new president and CEO of the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SC Ports), effective October 6, 2025. The SC Ports Authority board of directors made the decision following a unanimous vote. Mallace’s return to SC Ports comes after a prominent career within the organization and a recent tenure as president of Harbor Logistics, a logistics company specializing in port drayage, warehousing, and transload operations.
Under a five-year contract, Mallace will earn an annual salary of $525,000. In a statement acknowledging his new role, Mallace expressed gratitude for the opportunity, emphasizing the exceptional service offered by the port team and the broader maritime community in South Carolina. He also asserted the need to enhance SC Ports’ competitiveness within the market.
Bill Stern, the chairman of the board, praised Mallace for his vision, experience, and in-depth understanding of the maritime industry, noting that his credentials were vital for the position. Mallace is recognized for his instrumental past contributions, including the successful attraction of Walmart to establish a new import distribution center at the Port of Charleston.
A Charleston native and graduate of the College of Charleston, Mallace succeeds Barbara Melvin, who resigned from her position as CEO in August 2025. Melvin’s departure was accompanied by a severance package totaling nearly $1 million. Following her resignation, Phil Padgett assumed the role of interim CEO and expressed confidence in Mallace’s ability to provide the necessary vision for SC Ports’ advancement as a top ten U.S. container port.
Lawmakers have endorsed Mallace as an excellent choice for the role. His first day in office is scheduled for October 13, 2025. Mallace’s appointment comes during a phase marked by significant transitions and challenges for SC Ports, particularly after Melvin’s abrupt exit, which was attributed to unspecified “personal and professional reasons.”
During Melvin’s leadership, SC Ports faced hurdles including construction delays and escalating costs associated with a new rail yard project, which has nearly doubled in expenses. Given that the Port of Charleston is the largest economic driver in South Carolina, contributing an annual economic impact of $87 billion, stakeholders are keenly interested in ensuring stability and progress moving forward. In the most recent fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, SC Ports managed over 2.6 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), reflecting a 3% increase from the previous year and record inland rail moves.
Key Features of Micah Mallace’s Appointment
- Position: President and CEO of SC Ports Authority
- Effective Date: October 6, 2025
- Former Position: Chief Commercial Officer at SC Ports (2011-2022)
- Previous Role: President of Harbor Logistics
- Annual Salary: $525,000
- Contract Duration: Five years
- Successor: Succeeds Barbara Melvin
- Confidence: Supported by legislators and interim CEO Phil Padgett
FAQ Section
Who is Micah Mallace?
Micah Mallace has been named the new president and CEO of the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SC Ports) as of October 6, 2025.
What previous positions has Mallace held?
Mallace previously served as the chief commercial officer of SC Ports from 2011 to 2022, and transitioned to become president of Harbor Logistics.
What is Mallace’s salary?
His salary is set at $525,000 annually under a five-year contract.
Who did Mallace succeed?
Mallace succeeds Barbara Melvin, who resigned as CEO in August 2025, receiving a severance package of nearly $1 million.
When is Mallace’s first day on the job?
His first day in the new role is scheduled for October 13, 2025.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | President and CEO of SC Ports Authority |
| Effective Date | October 6, 2025 |
| Former Position | Chief Commercial Officer at SC Ports (2011-2022) |
| Previous Role | President of Harbor Logistics |
| Annual Salary | $525,000 |
| Contract Duration | Five years |
| Successor | Succeeds Barbara Melvin |
| Support | Endorsed by legislators and interim CEO Phil Padgett |
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Additional Resources
- Charleston Business: Micah Mallace SC Ports President and CEO
- Post and Courier: SC Ports Charleston CEO Micah Mallace
- ABC News 4: SC Ports Names Micah Mallace New CEO
- CCJ Digital: ATS Logistics Acquired by Harbor Logistics
- Charleston Business: New York Investment Firm Acquires Large Charleston Logistics Company
- Wikipedia: South Carolina State Ports Authority
- Google Search: Micah Mallace
- Google Scholar: Micah Mallace
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina State Ports Authority
- Google News: South Carolina Ports news
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