Rick C. Wade | |
|---|---|
| Director of the South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services | |
| In office 1999–2002 | |
| Personal details | |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residence | Lancaster, South Carolina |
| Education | University of South Carolina Harvard University |
| Profession | Businessman |
Rick Wade is a South Carolina businessman and politician.
Wade holds a bachelor's degree in biology from the University of South Carolina, as well as an MPA from Harvard University. [1]
Wade worked as an analyst for the South Carolina House Ways and Means Committee, as well as for the University of South Carolina. [2]
Wade was a self-employed consultant with the Wade Group and a senior vice president with Greentech Automotive. Wade has also been an executive with Hoffmann-La Roche, Fowler Communications, and Palmetto GBA. [1] He is currently Vice President of Strategic Alliances and Outreach at the United States Chamber of Commerce. [3]
Wade served as the chief of staff of Lieutenant Governor Nick Theodore. [1] Wade then served in the administration of Governor Jim Hodges as director of the South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services. [4] In 2002, Wade ran for the office of Secretary of State, losing to Republican Mark Hammond. [1]
Wade served as an adviser to both of Barack Obama's presidential campaigns. [1] [5] Wade also served in the Obama administration as a senior adviser to Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke. [2] Wade's duties included serving as a liaison to states, businesses, trade associations, minority communities, and other federal agencies. He also represented the Commerce Department at international forums and served on numerous presidential task forces. [6] Wade's duties also included encouraging US businesses to invest in Haiti following the 2010 Haitian earthquake. [7]
In December 2013, Wade announced his candidacy for the US Senate seat held by Republican incumbent Tim Scott in the 2014 election. [1] [8] Wade announced in March 2014 that he was dropping out of the race. [9] Richland County Councilwoman Joyce Dickerson remained in the race, [10] eventually becoming the Democratic Nominee. [11]