South Carolina Ports President and CEO Micah Mallace has pledged to focus on strengthening the port's cargo base and prioritizing opportunities for immediate growth, rather than long-cycle infrastructure. The Port of Charleston has seen strong economic development wins, with ocean carriers showing confidence in its capabilities within the Southeast market. However, Mallace acknowledged that challenges persist, including a freight recession and volatility in the port market. Despite this, he is optimistic about the port's potential to engineer above-market growth and deliver non-traditional growth initiatives.

The South Carolina State Ports Authority will pay nearly $1 million in a severance package to its former president and CEO, Barbara Melvin, who resigned unexpectedly last week. The bulk of the payout will be $822,780 in salary continuation payments through the end of this year, and a $100,000 contribution to her state retirement account. Melvin will also be hired as a consultant on an as-needed basis to help with the transition to new leadership through the end of this year. Melvin's payout does not come from state taxes, as the authority's employees are paid through revenue generated by the port, not the state budget.