The top executive of the S.C. State Ports Authority abruptly resigned Aug. 21 after slightly more than three years at the helm of one of South Carolina’s top economic engines "to pursue other opportunities."

Barbara Melvin, 55, was the first woman to lead both the maritime agency and a top 10 U.S. container port. She is being replaced as president and CEO on an interim basis by Philip Padgett, the SPA's chief financial officer.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to have served South Carolina and the Ports Authority over these many years,” said Melvin said in prepared statement. “However, for personal and professional reasons, I want to pursue other opportunities. I take pride in what has been accomplished by the Port while I have served it in multiple roles. Knowing the resiliency of the

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