Charleston, SC, August 26, 2025
News Summary
Barbara Melvin, the former President and CEO of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, has resigned and is set to receive over $800,000 in severance pay. Her sudden departure, attributed to personal and professional reasons, coincides with the recently secured funding for the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project. Melvin will also serve as a consultant at a rate of $350 per hour until the end of 2025. The SC Ports Authority has acknowledged her contributions during her tenure.
Charleston, SC – Barbara Melvin, the former President and CEO of the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SC Ports), is set to receive over $800,000 in severance pay following her sudden resignation on August 21, 2025. The decision, labeled as being for “personal and professional reasons” and to explore “other opportunities,” has raised eyebrows as she stepped down just days after securing more than $21 million in funding for the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project.
Melvin’s resignation was reported to be abrupt, occurring immediately after a routine board meeting, and she had five years remaining on her contract at the time. The SC Ports Authority has confirmed that as part of her severance package, Melvin will receive a total of $822,780 in severance pay along with an additional $100,000 toward her state retirement fund. Furthermore, she will also act as a consultant at a rate of $350 per hour until the end of 2025, and she remains eligible for bonuses, the specifics of which have yet to be determined.
The payments from the authority will be disbursed in taxable installments through the end of the year, followed by a lump sum payment in late January 2026. Notably, Melvin is restricted from working for competing ports in Georgia, North Carolina, or Virginia for a period of 12 months following her resignation. The digital devices she used during her tenure will be returned to her once all authority-related data is cleared.
Melvin has the distinction of being the first woman to lead a significant U.S. container port and has a long history with the SC Ports Authority, having joined the organization in 1998. She rose through the ranks over the years and took over as CEO in July 2022, succeeding Jim Newsome. Phillip Padgett, the authority’s Chief Financial Officer, has stepped in as the interim CEO following Melvin’s departure.
Bill Stern, Chairman of the SC Ports Board, acknowledged Melvin’s pivotal contributions over her three-year tenure, particularly in advancing important infrastructure projects. Her resignation follows a closed-door session during a regular board meeting, but the details of that discussion have not been disclosed.
Summary of Key Details
- Severance Pay: $822,780
- Retirement Contribution: $100,000
- Consulting Rate: $350 per hour, until end of 2025
- Bonus Eligibility: Yes, details to be determined
- Non-Compete Clause: 12 months in competing states
- Tenure: CEO since July 2022, joined SC Ports in 1998
- Interim CEO: Phillip Padgett
Background Context
Melvin’s resignation and severance package come at a time when the SC Ports Authority is focused on developing its infrastructure and expanding its capabilities in the competitive shipping industry. The Charleston Harbor Deepening Project, which she recently funded, is aimed at improving the navigability of the port, ensuring it stays competitive with other major ports in the Southeast. Her journey as a trailblazer in a male-dominated field signifies a milestone in the maritime industry, and her departure brings uncertainty to the leadership at SC Ports.
FAQ
What was Barbara Melvin’s role at the SC Ports Authority?
Barbara Melvin served as the President and CEO of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, becoming the first woman to lead a major U.S. container port.
Why did Barbara Melvin resign?
Melvin stated she resigned for “personal and professional reasons” and to pursue other opportunities.
How much severance will Melvin receive?
Melvin will receive $822,780 in severance pay along with a $100,000 contribution to her state retirement fund.
What is the consulting arrangement after her resignation?
Melvin will be retained as a consultant at a rate of $350 per hour through the end of 2025.
Is there a non-compete agreement?
Yes, Melvin is prohibited from working for a competing port in Georgia, North Carolina, or Virginia for 12 months following her departure.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Severance Pay | $822,780 |
| Retirement Contribution | $100,000 |
| Consulting Rate | $350 per hour |
| Bonus Eligibility | To be determined |
| Non-Compete Duration | 12 months |
| Tenure with SC Ports | Since 1998; CEO since July 2022 |
| Interim CEO | Phillip Padgett |
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: SC Ports CEO Resignation
- Wikipedia: South Carolina State Ports Authority
- Live 5 News: SC Ports Authority CEO Resigns
- Google Search: SC Ports Authority
- Charleston Business: Barbara Melvin Resigns
- Google Scholar: SC Ports Charleston
- Fits News: Major Shakeup at SC Ports Authority
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina Ports
- SC Daily Gazette: Melvin Abruptly Resigns
- Google News: Barbara Melvin Resignation
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