Palmetto Railways Appoints Tarek “T” Ravenel as President and Chief Executive Officer
Press Release
CHARLESTON, S.C. – Palmetto Railways an enterprise agency of the state of South Carolina and a division of the S.C. Department of Commerce, today announced the appointment of Tarek “T” Ravenel as president and chief executive officer, effective Sept. 8, 2026. Ravenel’s proven track record in transportation and infrastructure leadership and will steer the organization into its next phase of growth, investment and economic impact across South Carolina.
Ravenel brings more than two decades of leadership experience spanning freight rail, logistics, construction, economic development, infrastructure delivery and business operations. Throughout his career, he has successfully managed complex transportation initiatives, multimillion-dollar capital programs, public-private partnerships and stakeholder relationships that have strengthened supply chains and supported economic growth throughout the Southeast.
Most recently, he served as East Region Freight Rail Market Sector leader for HDR, where he led strategic rail initiatives for Class I railroads, short-line railroads, ports, transit agencies, industrial clients, and public-sector transportation organizations throughout the eastern United States. His work included program management, capital project development, railroad operations coordination, environmental planning and stakeholder engagement for major rail infrastructure investments.
Prior to HDR, Ravenel spent nearly a decade with Palmetto Railways as the director of special projects and project manager while also serving on the organization’s senior leadership team. In those roles, he directed Palmetto Railways’ capital improvement program and oversaw planning, design, environmental review, permitting, procurement, property acquisition and construction activities for some of South Carolina’s most transformative freight transportation projects.
“Palmetto Railways has played a vital role in South Carolina’s economic development for generations, and I am honored to lead this outstanding organization,” said Ravenel. “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.”
In addition to his rail experience, Ravenel has built a diverse leadership background across transportation, construction, logistics and business operations. As operations manager for Atlantic Coast Materials, he led the importation and distribution of construction aggregates through the ports of Charleston and Savannah, managing logistics, sales, customer relationships, terminal operations and business development activities.
“Having worked closely with T for many years, I have seen firsthand the experience, leadership and commitment he brings to Palmetto Railways,” said outgoing President and CEO Patrick McCrory. “T understands our organization, our people and the important role we play in supporting South Carolina’s economy. His extensive experience in freight rail and infrastructure, combined with his deep knowledge of Palmetto Railways and the relationships he has built throughout the state, will provide valuable continuity as the organization moves forward. I have tremendous confidence in T and know Palmetto Railways will be in very capable hands under his leadership.”
“T’s extensive rail transportation and logistics experience, along with his familiarity and demonstrated commitment to Palmetto Railways, position him well to successfully transition into this role. We are confident his leadership, industry expertise and strategic approach will build on the strong foundation already in place,” said Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III. “Separately, we are incredibly grateful for Patrick McCrory’s leadership and nearly 14 years of dedicated service to Palmetto Railways, strengthening the state’s infrastructure and supporting economic growth.”
A Charleston native, Ravenel earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the College of Charleston and has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to community service through non-profit advocacy. He previously served on the board of directors of Florence Crittenton Programs of South Carolina, where he held leadership roles as treasurer and vice president, and on the board of directors of Pay It Forward.
About Palmetto Railways
Palmetto Railways, established in 1969, promotes the economic viability of the State of South Carolina by providing safe, efficient and cost-effective rail solutions to facilitate the movement of freight and to support economic development efforts. Palmetto Railways also provides technical assistance and consulting services in railroad matters to state, local and municipal governments. As a division of the South Carolina Department of Commerce, Palmetto Railways is a Class III terminal switching and short line railroad located in Charleston, S.C., serving the Port of Charleston and multiple industries based in the five-county region of the Lowcountry. Palmetto Railways lines have direct access to both Eastern Class I railroads, CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern.
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