Patrick McCrory to serve as SC Ports chief operating officer

The South Carolina Ports Authority appointed Patrick McCrory as its new chief operating officer. 

Beginning Oct. 5, McCrory will lead the 500-person SC Ports operations. He is responsible for running port container terminals, ro-ro and breakbulk operations, and two rail-served inland ports parallel to other maritime and logistic company operations.  

“Patrick has worked alongside SC Ports as a longtime rail partner, helping to enhance our state’s freight rail infrastructure and grow cargo volumes at our port,” Micah Mallace, SC Ports president and CEO, said in a news release. “He brings a focus on safety and reliability, a strong understanding of our business, a commitment to excellent service, and an innovative approach to logistics that will serve our customers — and our team — very well as we work to grow above market.” 

The vote by the SC Ports Board of Directors for McCrory to serve in the position was unanimous.  

He has spent his career in safety, transportation, logistics and rail operations experience including freight rail, intermodal terminals, marine terminal operations, supply chain, workforce development and major infrastructure development projects.  

“I am extremely grateful and honored to work alongside the best-in-class operations teams at South Carolina Ports,” McCrory said in the release. “South Carolina companies depend on us to safely, reliably and efficiently move imports and exports. By continuing to provide excellent port operations for our customers and partners, we will support cargo growth and help create new jobs in South Carolina.” 

McCrory is stepping into the position following his role as president and CEO of Palmetto Railways. He spent over a decade with the organization, serving as vice president, chief commercial officer, chief operations officer and CEO.  

In his tenure, he oversaw a $450 million capital development portfolio and contributed to strategies for commercial growth.  

“Patrick’s deep expertise across rail operations, ports and logistics — paired with his focus on safety and strategy — will drive SC Ports’ growth and bring new business to our state,” Bill Stern, SC Ports Board chairman, said in the release.  

Prior to Palmetto Railways, he held management positions at CSX Intermodal Terminals Inc., leading operations in Ohio, Georgia and North Carolina. In the role, he contributed to the $175 million Northwest Ohio Transshipment Hub.  

McCrory has a Bachelor of Science in logistics and intermodal transportation from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, as well as a Master of Science in transportation management from the University of Denver.  

McCrory began his career at APM Terminals as a stevedore at Wando Welch Terminal in Charleston. He also served for nine years in the U.S. Navy Reserve as a strategic sealift officer.