Rick Wade

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.

## Personal life and education

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Wade holds a bachelor's degree in biology from the University of South Carolina, as well as an MPA from Harvard University.[1]

## Career

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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]

## Political career

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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]

## References

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1. ^ a b c d e f Shain, Andrew (13 December 2013). "Former Obama aide sets sights on Scott's US Senate seat". The State. Retrieved 16 December 2013.
2. ^ a b "Senior Advisor and Deputy Chief of Staff to Address SC State University's Fall 2010 Graduates". SC State University. 11 December 2010. Retrieved 17 December 2013.
3. ^ "Rick Wade". www.uschamber.com. 2024-09-19. Retrieved 2025-07-16.
4. ^ Long, Matt (13 December 2013). "Former Obama advisor announces run against Sen. Tim Scott". South Carolina Radio Network. Retrieved 16 December 2013.
5. ^ Zeleny, Jeff (27 January 2008). "Obama is seen as Winner in South Carolina". New York Times. Retrieved 17 December 2013.
6. ^ Wade, Rick (24 February 2011). "Spotlight on Commerce: Rick Wade, Senior Adviser and Deputy Chief of Staff". Commerce Department. Retrieved 17 December 2013.
7. ^ "Senior Commerce Department Official Visits Haiti for Opening of First School Built Since January Earthquake". Commerce Department. 22 October 2010. Retrieved 17 December 2013.
8. ^ Shain, Andrew (December 15, 2013). "Rick Wade to seek Scott seat". Greenville News. Retrieved December 23, 2022.
9. ^ Smith, Bruce (March 6, 2014). "Rick Wade Drops Out of SC Senate Race". WLTX-TV. Retrieved December 23, 2022.
10. ^ Staff Reports (March 6, 2014). "Rick Wade drops out of SC Senate race". WOLO-TV. Retrieved December 23, 2022.
11. ^ "In the Running: Black Democrats on the November Ballot. How will these candidates fare in the midterm elections?". Black Entertainment Television. 2014. Retrieved December 23, 2022.

## External links

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* Facebook page

Party political offices

Preceded by

Roy B. Fairchild

|  Democratic nominee for Secretary of State of South Carolina
2002  | Succeeded by

Cheryl L. Footman