W. Melvin Brown
As president, owner, and chief operating officer of American Development Corporation (ADCOR), Mr. W. Melvin Brown is one of South Carolina’s most successful businessmen. He was born February 19, 1934, in Charleston. He holds several degrees including a BS in Science from SC State College, a MS in Science from Atlanta University, a MBA from Webster College, and an Advanced Studies degree from Boston University. He taught science in Atlanta and Charleston and sold insurance before forming ADCOR in 1972. ADCOR, a defense manufacturing firm in North Charleston, is one of the largest African-American owned firms of its kind. The company employs approximately 300 people and grosses more than $25 million each year. For 13 years, ADCOR has been one of Black Enterprise Magazine’s top 100 companies. It ranked 40th in 1988. Mr. Brown served on the boards of a number of institutions, including NCNB, Clemson University, Talladega College, the South Carolina Ports Authority, the Charleston Aviation Authority, Porter-Gaud School, and the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. He is a Life Member and past president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and past chairman of the City of Charleston Election Commission.