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Chairman David A. Wright

 

Photo of David Wright
Photo by: Vicki Lovett

 Map of District 2

 

Columbia, S.C.

Second District: All of Allendale, Barnwell, Hampton, Jasper and Lexington, as well as parts of Aiken, Beaufort, Calhoun, Colleton, Orangeburg and Richland

Email: Commissioner.Wright@psc.sc.gov
Administrative Coordinator: Melissa Purvis, 803-896-5180

Assumed Commissionership March 3, 2004
Current term ends June 30, 2014
Elected Vice-Chairman July 2010
Elected Chairman July 2012
Spouse: Amy

Education:

  • Clemson University - 1977 
    • B.A. in Political Science, Minor in Communications
    • Three-year letterman on Clemson Tiger Cross-Country Team
  • Irmo High School - 1973  

Professional Work History:

David Wright was elected to the South Carolina Public Service Commission from the Second Congressional District in a special session of the S.C. General Assembly on March 3, 2004. He serves as one of seven elected commissioners of the SCPSC. In July 2010, he was sworn in as Vice-Chairman of the Commission.

Since his election, David has accepted active roles in many phases of commission activities locally, regionally and nationally. 

In November 2011 in St. Louis, David was elected by his peers around the country to serve as President of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) for the 2011-2012 term.

Now serving as past President, Commissioner Wright continues to serve as a member of NARUC's Executive Committee and the NARUC Board of Directors.

Commissioner Wright is also a member of the Electricity Committee representing S.C. on the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), the Washington Action Committee and is a member and past Chairman of NARUC's Subcommittee on Nuclear Issues and Waste Disposal.

David is a Past President of the Southeastern Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (SEARUC), serving as President in 2008-2009.

Since December 2006, David has served as National Chairman of the Nuclear Waste Strategy Coalition (NWSC), an organization he has served on as a representative and board member from South Carolina since his election to the S.C. PSC.

In August 2010, Commissioner Wright was appointed to be the NARUC representative on the Advisory Board of the Board of Directors of the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). He also serves as NARUC's Representative on the Keystone Energy Board.

A colon cancer survivor, David is active as an advocate for cancer awareness and is frequently asked to share his message with groups around the state. David is also a member of the Leadership Council for the Cancer Centers at the University of South Carolina (CCUSC).

Prior to his election to the S.C. PSC, David had been self-employed for more than 25 years, having owned and/or operated several retail, commercial and professional services businesses. He has an extensive background in retail, commercial and political advertising and public relations, and has worked as a strategic consultant in all areas. David also has a strong background in planning and staging events as well. Adding to his broad and varied background, David has his real estate license and is a licensed auctioneer in South Carolina.

Elected History:

  • Present from March 3, 2004 - Commissioner, Public Service Commission of SC. Elected to represent the Second Congressional District on the Public Service Commission of SC, in a special Joint Assembly on March 3, 2004. 

    • President, National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), November 2011-2012

    • First Vice President of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), November 2010.

    • Chairman, Public Service Commission of SC, July 2012

    • Vice-Chairman, Public Service Commission of SC, July 2010

    • Past Chairman, NARUC’s Nuclear Issues-Waste Disposal Subcommittee.

    • Past National Co-Chairman, Yucca Mountain Task Force, 2005-2010.

    • National Chairman, Nuclear Waste Strategy Coalition (NWSC), elected December 2006

    • Member, EPRI Advisory Board, August 2010

    • Member, Keystone Energy Board

    • Past President , SEARUC (Southeastern Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners) 2008-2009

    • Appointed to serve S.C. on Washington Action Committee, Nuclear Issues & Waste Disposal Subcommittee, and Electricity Committee in NARUC 

  • November, 1996 from November, 1988 - Member, SC House of Representatives from District #85 in Lexington County:
    • Member & 1st Vice-Chairman, Education and Public Works Committee.
    • Chairman, Colleges and Universities Subcommittee
    • Chairman, K-12 Subcommittee
    • Member, EIA Select Committee
    • Governor's Appointee to the Southern Regional Education Board
    • House Appointee to Education and Job Training Committee, National Conference of State Legislatures
  • October, 1988 from September, 1985 - Mayor, Town of Irmo, SC
    • 1987, President of Lexington County Municipal Association
    • 1985-86, Vice-President of Lexington County Municipal Association
    • 1985-88, Member, Central Midlands Regional Planning Council
  • September, 1985 from September, 1983 - Councilman, Town of Irmo, SC

Awards & Honors:

  • Received South Carolina highest citizen honor, “The Order of the Palmetto”, in 1996 from Governor David Beasley.
  • 1987 recipient of the Jaycees "Outstanding Young American" Award in the field of Community Service for the state of South Carolina.
  • Awarded 1992 "Legislator of the Year Award" from the S.C. Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind for work on Braille literacy legislation.
  • 1991 "ARC Award" from the Association of Retarded Citizens for work on legislation and initiatives promoting early intervention and mainstreaming programs for retarded children.
  • 1993 "Legislator of the Year" recipient from the S.C. School Boards Association. 
  • Awarded 1994 "Legislator of the Year" from the Irmo Fire District.
  • Received the 1995 "Legislator of the Year" Award from the S.C. Vocational Directors.

Personal, Civic, Volunteer Interests & Hobbies:

  • Born in Charlotte, North Carolina
  • Married to former Amy Elizabeth Floyd of Lake City, SC
  • Four children and two grandchildren
  • Member and Deacon, Riverland Hills Baptist Church
  • Member, Gideon’s International
  • Past President, St. Andrews Rotary Club 2006-2007; Secretary and President-Elect 2005-2006
  • Past Rotary Assistant Governor District 7770 (2008-2010)
  • Member, Irmo-Chapin Recreation Commission Athletic Advisory Committee
  • Current Referee and former Commissioner of Referees and Officials for UPWARD Basketball Program, Riverland Hills Baptist Church
  • Certified Dixie Youth Baseball Umpire working through Irmo-Chapin Recreation Commission for 35 years. Also coached T-ball and baseball teams.
  • Avid golfer, and enjoys running, basketball, softball. 
  • Member, Clemson University Tiger Letterwinners Association.
  • Selected as part of the United Methodist Volunteers In Missions Team (UNVIM) from the Midlands of South Carolina to Utilla, Honduras in 1988.
  • 1989-91/Volunteer, S.C. Salkehatchie Summer Service Program working as an adult leader rebuilding houses with youth.
  • Former President & Vice-President, Lexington-Richland School District Five Education Foundation