South Carolina Ports Board Ratified CEO Severance
The board finalized a payout for its former leader amid a legal challenge regarding state transparency laws.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in People
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The S.C. State Ports Authority board unanimously ratified a $922,780 severance package for its former CEO, Barbara Melvin, during a closed-door meeting. This decision follows a lawsuit from local resident Frank Heindel, who alleges the board violated transparency requirements.
Why it matters
The dispute centers on whether the board improperly approved executive compensation in private sessions, potentially violating the S.C. Freedom of Information Act. By ratifying the deal now, the board aims to resolve ongoing litigation it claims has become a distraction.
The $922,780 package includes a $822,780 direct payment and $100,000 in pension contributions. The former CEO previously earned an annual salary of $585,000.
The players
Barbara Melvin
She served as the president and CEO of the S.C. State Ports Authority before resigning in 2025.
Frank Heindel
He is a South Carolina resident who filed a lawsuit alleging transparency violations by the state ports board.
Micah Mallace
He replaced Barbara Melvin as the president and CEO of the S.C. State Ports Authority in October 2025.
S.C. State Ports Authority
This government entity is responsible for managing port operations and infrastructure across the state of South Carolina.
The details
The board held its meeting to address the litigation brought by Frank Heindel, who sued on August 17, 2026. While the authority requested a court dismissal and denied that a public vote was required, the legal challenge remains active ahead of an October court date.
Timeline
The board originally approved the severance agreement in August 2025.
Barbara Melvin resigned as president and CEO on August 21, 2025.
Frank Heindel filed his lawsuit against the authority on August 17, 2026.
The board voted to ratify the severance agreement on September 22, 2026.
A court hearing for the lawsuit is scheduled for October 20, 2026.
Market Landscape
This dispute highlights the tension between public accountability and internal governance within South Carolina's major state-run entities. It mirrors broader challenges faced by government boards regarding the application of the S.C. Freedom of Information Act in executive matters.
The legal proceedings may influence how local residents view the transparency of state-appointed boards managing public infrastructure. Taxpayers and port stakeholders will likely monitor the outcome to see if current board communication practices regarding executive compensation are upheld.
The takeaway
Transparency in government-run boards remains a critical issue for public trust and oversight of state assets. Residents should track the upcoming court hearing as it will establish the legal requirements for public disclosure in executive pay decisions.
What happens next
A court hearing to address the lawsuit filed by Frank Heindel is scheduled for October 20, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on administrative leadership in the region, visit People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Post and Courier.
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