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Meet the Patriots Point Development Authority Board Members

patriotspoint Sep 17, 2012

Chairman Chandler speaks during a news conference to unveil plans for the National Medal of Honor Museum at Patriots Point

The Patriots Point Development Authority (PPDA) Board, in conjunction with the Patriots Point Executive Director, is responsible for the long-term planning and day-to-day management of the agency, including the museum and all of its ancillary services. This includes stewardship of over 350 acres of property on Charleston Harbor, much of which is currently under lease for a golf course, a hotel, and a collegiate athletic complex.

The PPDA Board is made up of nine members. Selection of three members of the Board, including its chairman, is at the discretion of the governor; four appointed members are legislatively mandated, appointed by a combination of the Speaker of the House, Senate Pro Tem and Senate Finance Chairman; one member is appointed by The Adjutant General; and the Mayor of the Town of Mount Pleasant serves as an ex-officio member. This Board meets regularly to approve strategic planning initiatives, revisions to development plans and contracts, long-term leases, etc.

  • Ray E. Chandler, Chairman
  • Wayne Adams, Vice Chairman
  • Lin Bennett
  • Susan Marlowe
  • Lanneau Siegling
  • Darwin H. Simpson
  • Edwin S. Taylor
  • Zeb C. Williams
  • Mayor Billy Swails, Ex Officio

In each newsletter, we will introduce a member (or members) of our Board.  Our first profile is of Chairman Ray Chandler.

Mr. Chandler was born in Darlington, South Carolina in 1946.  He graduated from Abbeville High School in 1964, The Citadel in 1968 with a BA in Political Science and obtained a Juris Doctor Degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1971. He served on active duty in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate Generals Corp from 1972-1976. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for trial excellence in The Federal Republic of Germany. During his service years, he prosecuted and defended over 500 cases in four countries. He entered private practice in Manning, South Carolina with Ralph F. Cothran in 1976 and joined Coffey, Cooper and Chandler in 1979. He has engaged in Criminal and Civil trial practice in State and Federal Courts, United States Court of Appeals and Army, Air Force and Naval Court Marshalls. Mr. Chandler has been Peer Rated A Veritus for 18 years. He has served as Chairman of the Clarendon County Cancer Society, as well as, State Speakers Bureau for Cancer Fund Raising.  He has served as President of Manning Rotary Club.  He is presently Chairman of Patriots Point Development Authority.  He was named to the South Carolina Firefighters’ Hall of Fame and was awarded the Order of the Palmetto in 2009. He is the owner and managing partner of Coffey, Chandler, Kent & McKenzie. He is married to Sandra Heise Chandler of Sumter.

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3 thoughts on “Meet the Patriots Point Development Authority Board Members

  1. Rick Hill says:

    PLEASE DO NOT GET RID OF THE USS CLAMAGORE. I VISITED PATRIOTS POINT TODAY AND THE SUB WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF OUR TRIP. THERE WAS A GENTLEMAN VOLUNTEER ON BOARD THAT MADE OUR VISIT SO INTERESTING. WE LEARNED SO MUCH. THE SUB IS SO INTERESTING. PLEASE DO NOT TURN IT INTO A REEF THIS IS TRUE HISTORY

    THANK YOU
    RICK HILL
    276-692-7436.

  2. Jerry Gallagher says:

    Visited the Yorktown and Clamagore on Friday, 6-26. Enjoyed the history and displays immensely. Spent 5 hours between the two vessels. Both should be kept in perpetuity.

    I have one question. Whatever became of Scrappy the mascot after he left the Yorktown?

    Jerry Gallagher

    Naples , Fl.

    1. Molly Hamilton says:

      Good afternoon Jerry. I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed your visit. You will have to come back and tour the USS Laffey. She has quite an amazing story to tell.

      As for Scrappy, it’s a bit unclear what happened to him after his short time on the USS Yorktown. His story appeared in the records for a period of time and there were pictures of him aboard the ship. Then it stopped. He was quite a morale booster while onboard though and we are happy to carry on his legacy of bringing a smile through our mascot with the same name!

      Thanks again,
      Molly Hamilton
      Public Information & Media Relations

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