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.” 

SC Ports welcomed 31 South Carolina professionals to the 2026-2027 Port Ambassador class. (Photo/SC Ports)

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