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SCEDA honors Newsome for distinguished service

Ross Norton //May 9, 2022//

SCEDA honors Newsome for distinguished service

Ross Norton //May 9, 2022//

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The S.C. Economic Developers’ Association awarded the outgoing president and CEO of the S.C. Ports Authority, Jim Newsome, its Distinguished Service Award during the 2022 SCEDA Annual Conference last week at the Sonesta Resort in Hilton Head.

The SCEDA Distinguished Service Award recognizes exemplary efforts in the fields of professional, economic and community development in South Carolina. Newsome was honored in recognition of his career in the maritime industry, according to a news release.

Newsome started his career with the Ports Authority in 2009 as the fifth leader in the history of the organization.

Deepal Eliatamby, president of Alliance Consulting Engineers Inc. said he nominated Newsome for the award due to a significant shift in the trajectory of success he witnessed at the S.C. Ports Authority under Newsome’s leadership.   

“During his time at the Port, Jim has recruited and groomed individuals who will help carry the legacy he started — a true trait of a great leader,” Eliatamby said in the news release.

During his tenure, Newsome enhanced port operations, grew the port’s cargo base with strategic investments, doubled cargo volumes, and undertook vital infrastructure projects, including the deepening of the Charleston Harbor to 52 feet, which once complete, will be the deepest port on the East Coast and capable of harboring some of the world’s largest ships, according to the release.

“I always say that culture is a journey, not a destination,” Newsome said in the release. “It is an honor to be a part of an organization that feels the same. It is important that we never rest on our laurels and continue to push forward and do good work.”

COO Barbara Melvin was chosen last year to lead the Ports Authority as its next president and CEO. She will take the help on July 1, when Newsome retires and steps into an executive adviser role.

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