Rail consultant returns to lead South Carolina short line

Palmetto Railways announced the appointment of Tarek Ravenel as president and chief executive officer. The move by the state-owned transportation company is effective Sept. 8, 2026.

Ravenel, who earlier spent a decade at the railway, brings a “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,” the company said in a release.

Tarek Ravenel Ravenel succeeds Patrick McCrory, who has served as president and CEO since 2022. Based in Charleston, Palmetto connects with CSX (NASDAQ: CSX) and Norfolk Southern (NYSE: NSC), operating 90 miles of track in five counties, including at the Port of Charleston.

It is developing a 25-mile industrial rail line serving Camp Hall Commerce Park and other industrial properties in Berkeley County. A 118-acre intermodal rail yard on the former Navy Base in North Charleston is currently under construction.

Most recently, Ravenel served as East Region Freight Rail Market Sector leader for global engineering firm 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.

Prior to HDR, Ravenel spent nearly a decade with Palmetto as the director of special projects and project manager while also serving on the organization’s senior leadership team.

“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, in the release.

“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.”

McCrory praised Ravenel, who goes by “T”. “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.”

Subscribe to FreightWaves’ Rail e-newsletter and get the latest insights on rail freight right in your inbox.

Read more: Rail freight puts the pedal to the metal(s) in latest data Regulators set schedule for review of UP-NS merger New choices: BNSF expands intermodal rail option between Phoenix and North Texas Battle of the briefs: UP-NS fires back at AGs anti-merger letter Rail freight stretches lead over 2025 The post Rail consultant returns to lead South Carolina short line appeared first on FreightWaves.