Media release provided by SC Ports
CHARLESTON, SC — SEPT. 22, 2026 — South Carolina Ports welcomed 31 South Carolina professionals to the 2026-2027 Port Ambassador Program, kicking off nine months of immersive sessions that give participants an up-close look at SC Ports’ operations.
The group of business leaders, who represent a broad group of interests and communities, will meet over six sessions to see first-hand how SC Ports’ spurs an $87 billion economic development in South Carolina each year, supporting 260,000 jobs statewide.
“Beyond SC Ports’ commitment to driving growth and delivering highly productive port service, is our commitment to serving our state and its residents,” SC Ports President and CEO Micah Mallace said. “Strong relationships are foundational to the Port’s success. Our hope is that this incredible group of professionals gain a deeper understanding of how SC Ports is integral to our supply chains and an awareness of how we can continue partnering to drive growth in every corner of our state.”
Participants began this year’s program at Wando Welch Terminal, where they heard from SC Ports President and CEO Micah Mallace, Port leadership and received a terminal tour, including the opportunity to go to the top of a ship-to-shore crane. Future sessions include attending the 2026 State of the Port Address in Charleston, touring Inland Ports Greer and Dillon, learning about port infrastructure projects and hearing from shippers using the port every day.
“What makes this program meaningful is the people in the room,” said Kelly Nix, SC Ports’ Manager of Community Engagement and Strategic Programs. “The Class of 2027 represents communities and companies from across South Carolina, and we're excited to spend this program year sharing the inner workings of the port, hearing what matters to them and their communities, and building relationships that outlast the program itself."
Program participants are selected from nominations by the Review and Oversight Commission on the State Ports Authority, SC Ports Board of Directors, SC Ports senior management team and County Council chairs from around the state.
The Port Ambassador Program launched in 2016 with a mission to increase public understanding of SC Ports’ role in supporting the state’s economy. More than 250 ambassadors have graduated from the program over the past decade.
2026-2027 Port Ambassadors
Brad Beadles, Florence Regional Airport
Rodney Berry, Berry Strategies/Dillon County Economic Development
Will Buyck, The Bank of Clarendon
James "Jay" Byrd, AT&T
Lewis Carter, South Carolina House of Representatives
William Edward Cogdill, SC Commerce
Diamond Curry, Berkeley County
Tasha Gardner-Greene, Sumter County Council
Lauren D. Greene, Palmetto Pointe Wealth Management of Raymond James
Thomas Hamilton, Town of Moncks Corner
Thomas D. Hartnett, ServisFirst Bank
Jason Hessberg, Fifth Third Bank
Graham Holcombe, Bank of the Lowcountry
Sarah J. Johnson, SCCED, South Carolina Department of Commerce
Windham Key, Cisco
Andrew T. Leaphart, P.E., South Carolina Department of Transportation
Brad Mallett, Coastal Coffee Roasters Inc
Tyra S. McBride, Office of the Governor, State of South Carolina
Max K. Metcalf, BMW Manufacturing
McKenzie Miles-Addison, Charleston Branch Pilots' Association
Frampton Morris, Morris Commercial
Graham Reinhart, N.W. White & Company
Ashley Richardson, Charleston County Economic Development
Gordon L. Rooney, Dorchester County Economic Development
L. Martin Sauls IV, South Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance
William O. Smith, Choate Construction
Curtis M. Spencer, American Forest Management / AFM Real Estate
Elizabeth Taylor, SC Legislative Council of the General Assembly
Ben Waldrop, Century Printing and Packaging
Trace Whetsell, City of Charleston
Whitney Williams, Carolinas AGC
