Rick Wade is a South Carolina businessman and politician.
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 |
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 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.[3] 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][4] 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.[5] Wade's duties also included encouraging US businesses to invest in Haiti following the 2010 Haitian earthquake.[6]
Wade is currently a self-employed consultant and a senior vice president with Greentech Automotive. Wade has also been an executive with Hoffmann-La Roche, Fowler Communications, and Palmetto GBA.[1]
In December 2013, Wade announced his candidacy for the US Senate seat held by Republican incumbent Tim Scott in the 2014 election.[1][7] Wade announced in March 2014 that he was dropping out of the race.[8] Richland County Councilwoman Joyce Dickerson remained in the race,[9] eventually becoming the Democratic Nominee.[10]