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Speakers

Title: The Rail Industry in SC: Past, Present and Future
Abstract: The South Carolina Canal and Rail Road Company was one of the earliest railroad
companies in the country chartered in 1827 and by 1833 was the longest railroad in the world.
Today, the SC Rail system has become a crucial component of the multimodal networks in the
country and is operated by eleven railroads. This presentation will discuss the importance of
the SC railroads through time, the economic impact to the state and the future of the industry.
Harry Ploehn, PhD
Biography: Dr. Ploehn is responsible for the development and coordination of faculty grant
Vice Provost and programs, and is the Provost’s Offi ce chief liaison for both the Offi ce of Research and the
Director of SmartState Program. He also oversees research space and the development and assignment of
Academic Planning buildings. Dr. Ploehn coordinates the Classroom Enhancements and Space Needs and Planning
(SNAP) committees for the Offi ce of the Provost.
University of
South Carolina Biography: Patrick McCrory transitioned into the Vice President & Chief Commercial Offi cer role
at Palmetto Railways in February 2015, where he is responsible for all sales & marketing,
Columbia, business development, strategic planning and intermodal development for the organization.
South Carolina Upon being hired at Palmetto Railways in February 2013, Patrick assumed the role of Vice
President and Chief Operating Offi cer. Prior to being employed by Palmetto Railways, Patrick
Opening and held the positions of Terminal Superintendent, Atlanta/Charlotte and Terminal Manager,
Welcome Remarks Northwest Ohio at CSX Intermodal Terminals, Inc.

April 13 Patrick began his career in marine terminals and longshoring with APM Terminals in 2005
serving in a number of management positions including operations, training, safety and human
1:00 PM resources throughout the APM Terminals North American network. Transitioning into the
railroad industry in 2010, Patrick was a member of the team responsible for the operational
start-up of CSX’s Northwest Ohio Intermodal Transshipment Hub where he carried a specifi c
focus on lift equipment commissioning & training and terminal operating & automation systems
operational integration.

Patrick is a graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York
where he obtained a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Logistics and Intermodal Transportation.

Patrick holds a United States Coast Guard Third Mate Oceans, Unlimited Tonnage License for
Patrick McCrory Merchant Mariners and was formerly an offi cer in the United States Navy Reserve.

Vice President and
Chief Commercial
Offi cer

Palmetto Railways

Charleston,
South Carolina

2016 Joint Rail
Conference
Luncheon and
Keynote Speaker
April 14

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

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