Patriots Point Development Authority gains new board member

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South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster approved a recommendation from the state's head of military operations, Maj. Gen. R. Van McCarty, to appoint James Smith Jr. to the Patriots Point Development Authority Board.

Smith is a partner at Nelson Mullins Riley and Scarborough LLP. He served in the South Carolina House of Representatives for more than 20 years. He also served as a Judge Advocate General officer in the South Carolina Army National Guard and later as an infantry officer in Operation Enduring Freedom-Afghanistan where he was awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.

“We’re excited to have James join the board. He was a strong supporter of Patriots Point throughout his service in the House,” PPDA Board Vice Chairman Wayne Adams said in the news release. “His experience with the university, in the National Guard, and in the legislature will be invaluable as we plan for Patriots Point’s future.”

In addition to his military and political service, Smith served the University of South Carolina as special assistant to the president for external affairs.

Smith's grandfather served aboard Patriots Point's historic destroyer USS Laffey during its service in World War II. In support of the community, he has served on several non-profit boards, including service as a fellow — Liberty Fellowship of the Aspen Global Leadership Network, Diversity Leadership Institute — The Riley Institute, South Carolina Humanities Council, and Congaree Riverkeeper.

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is on the Charleston Harbor in Mount Pleasant.

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