The state rail agency has appointed Tarek “T” Ravenel, a former Palmetto Railways special projects director, to take over as president and CEO effective Sept. 8.
CHARLESTON, S.C. — Palmetto Railways announced Tarek “T” Ravenel will become the agency’s president and chief executive officer effective Sept. 8, 2026, according to the organization, a division of the S.C. Department of Commerce.
Ravenel spent nearly a decade at Palmetto Railways earlier in his career as director of special projects and project manager, serving on the agency’s senior leadership team and overseeing capital improvement work including planning, design, environmental review, permitting, procurement and construction on major freight transportation projects, according to Palmetto Railways.
Most recently, Ravenel served as East Region Freight Rail Market Sector leader for HDR, where he led strategic rail initiatives for Class I and short-line railroads, ports, transit agencies and public-sector transportation organizations across the eastern United States, the agency said. He has also worked in construction materials logistics as operations manager for Atlantic Coast Materials, managing aggregate imports through the ports of Charleston and Savannah.
“Palmetto Railways has played a vital role in South Carolina’s economic development for generations, and I am honored to lead this outstanding organization,” Ravenel said. “Having spent much of my career helping develop and deliver projects that strengthen our state’s transportation network, I am excited to work alongside our employees, customers, South Carolina Ports, SC DOT, and other partners and stakeholders as we continue investing in the infrastructure, relationships and innovation that drive economic opportunity across South Carolina.”
Ravenel succeeds Patrick McCrory, who is departing after nearly 14 years leading the agency. “Having worked closely with T for many years, I have seen firsthand the experience, leadership and commitment he brings to Palmetto Railways,” McCrory said. “T understands our organization, our people and the important role we play in supporting South Carolina’s economy… I have tremendous confidence in T and know Palmetto Railways will be in very capable hands under his leadership.”
S.C. Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III said Ravenel’s rail and logistics background and familiarity with the agency position him well for the transition. “We are confident his leadership, industry expertise and strategic approach will build on the strong foundation already in place,” Lightsey said. He added that the department is “incredibly grateful for Patrick McCrory’s leadership and nearly 14 years of dedicated service to Palmetto Railways.”
A Charleston native, Ravenel holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the College of Charleston, according to Palmetto Railways. He has previously served on the boards of Florence Crittenton Programs of South Carolina and Pay It Forward.
Palmetto Railways, established in 1969, is a Class III terminal switching and short line railroad based in Charleston that serves the Port of Charleston and industries in the Lowcountry, with direct access to CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern, according to the agency.
Based on a release from Palmetto Railways.
Source: Palmetto Railways original release.
