Interim CEO and executive director of COMET dies

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Derrick Huggins, the interim CEO and executive director of the Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority, passed away unexpectedly on Friday morning, according to a news release from the COMET.

“We are saddened at this very unexpected loss, as so many of just had conversations with him in recent days and were making future plans together,” said Allison Terracio, COMET board chair. “Derrick was not only the CEO of the COMET. He had been a board member and board chair, and we all knew him not only professionally but also personally. He will be missed.”

Huggins had served as a leader both in the transportation field and in the community, according to the release. He was a long-time COMET board member and served as board chair up to his appointment as interim CEO and executive director in November 2021. He previously served as a transportation executive with the University of South Carolina.

LeRoy DesChamps, COO of COMET, will assume oversight of the organization as the board of directors works on plans for the future, the release said.