Elliott Summey
President and CEO of the Charleston County Aviation Authority and Charleston International Airport, whom Nancy Mace publicly blamed for releasing footage of the October 2025 confrontation and whose resignation she demanded.
Elliott Summey serves as President and CEO of the Charleston County Aviation Authority, which operates Charleston International Airport (CHS). He previously served as chairman of the Charleston County Council.
What Happened
Following the October 30, 2025 confrontation between Mace and airport police and TSA staff, Mace publicly accused Summey of "selectively releasing" footage of the incident as part of what she characterized as a politically coordinated attack against her. She demanded his resignation and named him among the individuals she said she intended to sue for defamation over the handling and release of the airport police reports, a suit that, as of June 2026, was never filed.
Airport and aviation authority leadership defended the Charleston Airport Police Department's conduct and professionalism. Summey and airport officials did not confirm Mace's characterization of events.
Sources
- Fox News, Nancy Mace demands airport CEO resign after claims she mistreated staff (November 2025)
- ABC News 4, Mace speaks out after Charleston airport incident (November 2025)