At our Awards Reception earlier this month, the South Carolina Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series announced the winner of the Carroll A. Campbell Award, which was created to honor individuals and families who have been an integral part of billfish conservation in our state and who embody Mr. Campbell’s principles and passion.

This lifetime achievement award is arguably one of the most prestigious honors in South Carolina’s sportfishing community. Tonight’s recipient not only has a long history with the South Carolina Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series, but also with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

Mr. Norman F. Pulliam’s lifelong commitment to the protection of our state’s natural resources, including the pelagic species that inspire all of us, manifests most fervently through his 16 years of service as a DNR board member. The Board Chairman since 2017, Mr. Pulliam has demonstrated a keen interest in encouraging the conservation of natural resources while also ensuring access for hunters and anglers.

Mr. Pulliam graduated from Clemson University in the spring of 1964 and went on to receive his MBA from Harvard University. Following such achievements, he founded and served as president of Pulliam Investment Company. For 35 years, the company developed apartments and senior housing across the southeast. In that time, Mr. Pulliam led his team to develop over a half a billion dollars worth of property.

Mr. Pulliam has certainly had great success as a businessman. In addition, he’s never hesitated to give back to his community. He’s been a board member for many organizations over the years, serving as a guidepost for several charities and schools.

In 1985 Mr. Pulliam was awarded our great state’s highest civilian honor, the South Carolina Order of the Palmetto, which recognizes outstanding service to the state. He’s undoubtedly dedicated much of his life in service to the state of South Carolina, its residents, and its natural resources. We’re so grateful to have a man of his many outstanding accolades as an active member of our conservation community.

Mr. Pulliam is a proud sportsman, a passion that has led to a successful fishing partnership with Foster McKissick. Together, the two friends own the Rascal, a 61-ft Viking captained by Mark Rogers, Mr. Pulliam’s son-in law.

The Rascal program has done extremely well over the years, with numerous top three finishes in the Series and first place titles in 2005 and 2014. The boat has accommodated the growth of several youth anglers and mates, including Mr. Pulliam’s own family members and friends. When visiting the cockpit of the boat, folks can expect Mr. Pulliam to greet them with a gentleman’s handshake and a warm smile. He never shies away from an opportunity to thank staff and others for their service to his beloved state. Given his own lifetime of service, such comments are truly a compliment.

Folks familiar with South Carolina’s billfish community know that you can’t mention the Rascal without also highlighting one of the boat’s greatest achievements. While fishing aboard the Rascal during the Carolina Billfish Classic in 2005, angler Corky Taylor landed an 881.8-lb blue marlin, a fish that still holds the South Carolina state record. That fish is truly legendary – much like Mr. Pulliam and his contributions to the Palmetto state’s sportfishing community.

While surrounded by his beloved family members, friends, and supporters, we were extremely proud to name Mr. Norman F. Pulliam the recipient of this year’s Carroll A. Campbell Award. Congratulations, Mr. Pulliam!