The S.C. State Ports Authority board unanimously ratified former CEO Barbara Melvin’s severance on Sept. 22, 13 months after agreeing to it. The vote came as it faces a lawsuit alleging the nearly $1 million deal violated state transparency laws.
Frank Heindel’s lawsuit alleges the board failed to notify the public that it would discuss Melvin’s job performance in a closed-door session in August 2025 and did not vote publicly on her severance, as he says state law required. The authority denied that an additional public vote was required, said no action was taken in the session and asked the court to dismiss the case. A hearing is scheduled for Oct. 20.
The agreement paid Melvin $822,780 and included a $100,000 contribution to her state pension, plus consulting at $350 an hour on an as-requested, as-needed basis through the end of 2025. Melvin resigned effective immediately after more than three years as CEO. She said she was leaving to pursue other opportunities; no specific reason was given.
