CHARLESTON, SC — AUG. 18, 2026 — South Carolina Ports is excited to announce Patrick McCrory as its new Chief Operating Officer as it works to be the preferred Southeast port for customers wanting reliability and speed for their supply chains.
McCrory will lead SC Ports’ more than 500-person operations team, who are responsible for safely and efficiently running port container terminals, ro-ro and breakbulk operations, intermodal and two rail-served inland ports, alongside many maritime and logistics partners.
He most recently served as president and CEO of Palmetto Railways, leading the Class III short line railroad to efficiently move freight as part of the Southeastern rail network, in support of numerous South Carolina companies.
“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,” SC Ports President and CEO Micah Mallace said. “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.”
McCrory brings decades of experience in safety, transportation, logistics and rail to the port team, with leadership expertise spanning freight rail, intermodal terminals, marine terminal operations, supply chain, workforce development and development of major infrastructure projects.
“I am extremely grateful and honored to work alongside the best-in-class operations teams at South Carolina Ports,” SC Ports’ Chief Operating Officer Patrick McCrory said. “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.”
The SC Ports Board of Directors voted unanimously to approved McCrory as COO, effective Oct. 5.
“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,” SC Ports Board Chairman Bill Stern said.
McCrory served Palmetto Railways for over a decade in numerous leadership positions, including vice president, chief commercial officer, chief operations officer and CEO. He oversaw major operational expansions, managed a $450 million capital development portfolio, and led the strategic direction to support commercial growth.
He also held senior terminal management positions with CSX Intermodal Terminals, Inc., where he led intermodal operations in Ohio, Georgia and North Carolina. He helped lead the launch of the $175 million Northwest Ohio Transshipment Hub, and he oversaw operations for multiple intermodal terminals in the Atlanta and Charlotte markets.
He held numerous management roles with APM Terminals throughout the U.S. McCrory started his career with APMT as a stevedore at Wando Welch Terminal to support vessel container handling operations.
McCrory earned a Bachelor of Science in logistics and intermodal transportation from the United States Merchant Marine Academy, and a Master of Science degree in transportation management with a focus in supply chain operations, from the University of Denver. He is a nine-year veteran of the United States Navy Reserve, serving as a Strategic Sealift Officer.