Staff Report
Published Jan. 29, 2009

In the weeks ahead, 13 business leaders and port stakeholders will join to find a new president and CEO to run the S.C. State Ports Authority.

Bernard Groseclose resigned abruptly last week during a performance review, leaving the port without a permanent head.

S.C. Maritime Association President John Hassell is serving as CEO in the interim but said he is not interested in the job.

The search committee, announced Thursday afternoon, will be led by Bill Stern, a Columbia businessman and vice chairman of the SPA board.

Stern said the members of the search committee “are true leaders with a strong history of business accomplishments and public service. We are honored and humbled that they have agreed to serve for this important task.”

The group is expected to recommend a candidate or candidates for final consideration to the SPA board.

In addition to Stern, the committee comprises the following individuals:

• Gayle O. Averyt — Former chairman of Colonial Life & Accident Insurance and previous member of the S.C. SPA board.
• Philip L. Byrd Sr. — President of Bulldog Hiway Express and chairman of the S.C. Trucking Association.
• S. Richard Hagins — Retired Navy officer, small-business owner and current S.C. SPA board member.
• Robert L. Harrison — Former president of Stevens Shipping & Terminal Co. Inc.
• William B. Hewitt — Former and current CEO and chairman of several corporations.
• Pamela P. Lackey — President of AT&T’s S.C. operations and vice chairwoman of the S.C. Centers of Economic Excellence.
• Mark W. Propst — Plant manager of The Timken Co. and past chairman of the S.C. Manufacturers Alliance.
• Douglas M. Robertson — Former executive with several Fortune 500 companies and current S.C. SPA board member.
• Robert V. Royall — Former banking executive, ambassador to Tanzania, S.C. Secretary of Commerce and S.C. SPA chairman.
• Whitemarsh S. Smith III — President of the Charleston Branch Pilots' Association and current treasurer of the S.C. SPA board.
• Joe E. Taylor Jr. — S.C. Secretary of Commerce and former president and CEO of Southland Log Homes.
• David H. Wilkins — U.S. ambassador to Canada, attorney and former speaker of the S.C. House of Representatives.