Patriots Point Development Authority Announces Addition to Board of Directors
South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley has approved a recommendation from the state’s head of military operations, Major General Robert E. Livingston, Jr., to appoint Richard Wilkerson, former chairman and president of Michelin North America, to the Patriots Point Development Authority’s (PPDA) Board of Directors.
“Richard, with his vast experience as former President of Michelin North America, brings an exciting and dynamic perspective to the board at Patriots Point,” said Maj. Gen. Robert E. Livingston, Jr., the adjutant general for South Carolina. “He will contribute greatly by expanding the board’s reach beyond the Lowcounty and is an excellent addition to the team as Patriots Point moves forward.”
Retiring as chairman and president of Michelin North America in 2011, Wilkerson spent more than 30 years with the company. A past chairman of the Executive Committee of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, he is also a former board member of the Yellowstone Park Foundation. The appointment to the Patriots Point board is seen as an honor to a man who comes from a family with strong military background.
“My father spent 37 years in the Marine Corps; my brother served 32 years,” said Wilkerson. “Joining the Patriots Point board is an opportunity for me to give back to the military community in some small way for the contribution they make to the country.”
In addition to joining the state’s PPDA board, Wilkerson also chairs the boards of both the Greenville Area Development Corporation and the Community Foundation of Greenville.
“Our board is excited to have the addition of Dick Wilkerson,” said current PPDA Board Chairman Ray Chandler. “He brings a wealth of management experience and business savvy to Patriots Point. I personally look forward to working with him.”
Wilkerson will attend his first PPDA Board of Directors meeting on January 29th and is eager to begin his new role.
“The thing that excites me most is being part of the continued growth in the education of our citizens,” said Wilkerson. “That comes not only with the enhancement of Patriots Point, but also the opportunity to teach honor and ethics to our young people. The opportunity to teach ethics to our young people is very important.”
The PPDA board consists of nine members who are appointed to serve a term of four years. Selection of three members of the board, including its chairman, is at the discretion of the governor. In addition, five members are appointed by the governor upon the recommendation of a combination of the Speaker of the House, Senate Pro Tem, Senate Finance Chairman, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, and the adjutant general. The mayor of the Town of Mount Pleasant serves as an ex-officio member.
Below is a list of current PPDA Board members.
- Mr. Ray E. Chandler, Chairman
- Mr. Wayne Adams, Vice Chairman
- Mrs. Lin Bennett
- Mrs. Susan Marlowe
- Mr. Spencer King
- Mr. Edwin Taylor
- Mr. Zeb Williams
- Mayor Linda Page
- Mr. Richard Wilkerson