COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has named his choices for directors to new departments created after the reorganization of the state's Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) in July 2024. The new law created departments of Public Health (DPS) and Environmental Services (DES), splitting the responsibilities of DHEC.
The nomination for the first director of DPS is Dr. Edward Simmer, who served as the director of DHEC from February 2021 until July's reorganization.
Myra Reece has been nominated as the first director of DES. She is currently serving as DES Interim Director and formerly served as the Director of Environmental Affairs at DHEC from December 2015 until July 2024.
Both nominations will serve as interim directors of the new agencies until the Senate confirms the nominations for permanent directors in 2025.
Simmer said, “It has been a privilege to serve the people of South Carolina for the past three and a half years, and I look forward to continuing to work with the amazing team at DPH and our many dedicated external partners to improve the health of all South Carolinians. Working together, there is nothing we cannot achieve.”
As DHEC director, Simmer lead a team of over 4,000 healthcare professionals and oversaw South Carolina’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, led the agency’s response to natural disasters, and ensured that the state’s health care facilities provided high-quality, safe care. Before that, Simmer served for over 30 years active duty in the US Navy.
Of her nomination, Reece said, "I’ve had the incredible privilege of working alongside talented teams of environmental experts for more than 30 years, and I’m honored to be considered to continue to lead the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services. I thank Governor McMaster for his nomination and support in protecting and preserving South Carolina’s critical air, land, water and coastal resources, and I look forward to continued engagement with the General Assembly through the confirmation process.”
Reece held leadership positions at DHEC for over 30 years, including as Director of Environmental Affairs, Bureau of Air Quality Chief from May 2004 until December 2015, and Regional Office Division Director from February 1992 until May 2004. As interim director, Reece oversees bureaus of Air Quality, Coastal Management, Land and Waste Management, Regional and Laboratory Services, and Water.
