COLUMBIA — Gov. Henry McMaster on Aug. 26 weighed in publicly for the first time about the sudden resignation of the S.C. State Ports Authority's top executive , saying he had "serious concerns" about the management of the maritime agency under Barbara Melvin, including her handling of negotiations with a waterfront union last year.

While he didn't address any potential role he had in the former CEO's departure last week, he said four directors he recently named to the SPA board were all of aware of his misgivings.

McMaster added that the newcomers bring fresh perspectives to the oversight of the one of the state's main economic engines.

"I don't know that," he said about whether his appointees had anything to do with Melvin's resignation . "But I have had concerns for some time."

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