55 www. ReadMPM. com | www.MountPl easantMagaz i ne. com | www.MountPl easantPodcas t . com There are certain types of leaders who just “get it.” They are the kind who plant trees where future generations will seek shade. They are the boots on the ground who make sure individual parts are turning to move the whole. They naturally look at the world as a place for “us” and not for “me.” These are the kind of people who keep the world not just spinning but functioning, who make sure society’s most basic needs are met. Dreamers have their place, but it isn’t here. These leaders are the doers, the foreseers and the ambassadors of production. This is the kind of leader Barbara Melvin, the newly named CEO of the South Carolina Ports Authority, has always been. The South Carolina Ports Authority, or SCPA, is a top-10 port in the United States, employing over 800 men and women, but facilitating over a quarter of a million jobs statewide. It generates almost $63.4 billion annually and is headquartered in an 84,000-square-foot facility here in Mount Pleasant. Trade routes span across the globe, connecting not only the Lowcountry but the entire feature 1981 – First container ship arrived at Wando Welch Terminal 1972 – Property for Wando Welch Terminal purchased by SCSPA 1997 – SCSPA acquired property on Daniel Island 1982 – Charleston became first port in U.S. to digitalize port information 2013 – Inland Port Greer opened in the Upstate 2002 – SCSPA acquired property at Old Navy Yard 2018 – Inland Port Dillon opened in the Pee Dee 2016 – Charleston Harbor Deepening Project initiated 2021 – Hugh Leatherman Terminal opened at Old Navy Yard 2020 – Port recognized among “Best Places to Work” in the state
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