Gov. Mark Sanford could gain additional influence over how the state's shipping terminals are run with the appointment of two friends to the State Ports Authority board.

The governor's office confirmed Tuesday that Sanford has named Carroll A. Campbell III of Columbia and Harry J. Butler Jr. of Georgetown to the high-profile state board.

Campbell, son of former state Gov. Carroll Campbell Jr., works in real estate and property management and is part owner of numerous Wendy's fast-food franchises throughout the state.

Butler has 30 years of real estate experience and has run several dozen businesses, including Wild Dunes Real Estate and Wild Dunes Development.

The appointments reflect the governor's pledge to run state government like a private business, said his spokesman, Will Folks.

The action also makes good on Sanford's earlier promise to continue an appointment precedent established by former Gov. Jim Hodges.

Hodges stirred political waters in 1999 when he replaced Santee Cooper and SPA board members with his own appointees, reversing a longstanding practice by which appointments made by previous governors were allowed to stand until their terms expired.

The nine-member board advises and approves major spending decisions for the Port of Charleston, a key economic development recruiting tool and an engine that drives the state's manufacturing industries. Members are appointed to seven-year terms.

Campbell has held executive positions with a number of businesses, working in governmental affairs for SCANA for most of the 1990s. He is vice president of governmental relations for Southern Property Management.

"I know what it means to make payroll," Campbell said, noting that he worked on Sanford's gubernatorial campaign and considers him a close friend.

It's anticipated that Campbell would replace SPA board Vice Chairman William Timmerman of Columbia, whose seat has expired. Timmerman declined to say Tuesday whether he'd been asked by the governor to step down from the board.

Butler would replace board secretary Jack Scoville of Georgetown, who has already announced to the board that he would oblige the governor's request that he step down.

Sanford made it clear that he was looking for people with business backgrounds to serve on the board, Butler said. "I've got a lot to learn. I'm just looking to contribute where I can."

Sanford, who was critical of the SPA's decision earlier this year to spend $750,000 on a statewide advertising campaign in a tight budget year, has said the board should review the SPA's top management and make changes, if necessary.

State Sen. Arthur Ravenel, R-Mount Pleasant, a frequent critic of SPA spending decisions, said Tuesday that he didn't know if there would be more appointments but that he wants to see internal changes regardless.

"I think management changes are in order," Ravenel said, calling the SPA's investment in the now- defunct terminal for Daniel Island "an appalling waste of state agency money."

The Senate Transportation Committee is scheduled to take up both appointments today. With the committee's blessing, the appointments would go to the full Senate for a vote. Ravenel said he and state Sen. John Kuhn, R-Charleston, met with and were impressed by both appointees and did not expect opposition to their confirmation. Both senators serve on the Transportation Committee.

Butler, who said he wouldn't be able to make today's appointment hearing, said he hopes to serve in an interim capacity until his hearing can be rescheduled.

Both could be on board in time for the SPA next meeting in June.

SPA board Chairman Whit Smith, a 1999 Hodges appointee, said he looked forward to serving with new members. "Neither have a maritime background and will probably need some help getting up to speed."

Ron Menchaca can be reached at rmenchaca@postandcourier.com or 937-5491.