SC Ports CEO Resignation, NYS&W Appoints New Counsel

SC Ports President & CEO Barbara Melvin resigns; Phillip Padgett named interim CEO. NYS&W appoints Katherine Bourdon as general counsel.

SC Ports CEO Resignation, NYS&W Appoints New Counsel
September 6, 2025 6:00 pm
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Introduction

South Carolina Ports Authority (SC Ports) President and CEO Barbara Melvin has resigned, as announced in a press release yesterday. Simultaneously, the New York, Susquehanna & Western Railway Corp. (NYS&W) has appointed Katherine Bourdon as general counsel.

SC Ports Leadership Transition

Barbara Melvin, who joined SC Ports in 1998, has resigned from her position as President and CEO. According to a press release, Melvin is pursuing other opportunities. During her tenure, she held various roles and led several infrastructure projects, including the Charleston Harbor deepening project. Phillip Padgett, the Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Administration, has been named interim CEO.

Melvin stated, “For personal and professional reasons, I want to pursue other opportunities. I take pride in what has been accomplished by the port while I have served it in multiple roles. Knowing the resiliency of the ports authority and its people, I have no doubt even more success is in its future.”

New York, Susquehanna & Western Railway Corp. General Counsel Appointment

The New York, Susquehanna & Western Railway Corp. (NYS&W) has appointed Katherine Bourdon as general counsel.

Katherine Bourdon’s Background

Katherine Bourdon has over 20 years of experience in the railroad and transportation industry, including 15 years as an attorney. Her responsibilities at NYS&W will include leading regulatory compliance, litigation, and contract management. Before joining NYS&W, Bourdon worked at the Federal Railroad Administration, where she provided legal counsel on rail infrastructure programs and grant initiatives.

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Conclusion

Barbara Melvin has resigned as President and CEO of SC Ports, with Phillip Padgett named interim CEO. NYS&W has appointed Katherine Bourdon as general counsel.

Company Summary

South Carolina Ports Authority (SC Ports): SC Ports is a port authority.

New York, Susquehanna & Western Railway Corp. (NYS&W): NYS&W is a railway company.

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