As the public health agency for the State of South Carolina, the South Carolina Department of Public Health’s (DPH) mission is: To protect, promote, and improve the health and well-being of everyone in South Carolina.

Established July 1, 2024, in accordance with the DHEC Restructuring Act of 2023 (Act 60), DPH works closely with Governor Henry McMaster, state agencies and partners to better serve South Carolinians.

Executive Leadership Team

Dr. Edward Simmer
Interim Agency Director

Dr. Brannon Traxler
Deputy Director of Health Promotion and Services & Chief Medical Officer

Karla Buru
Deputy Director of Health Strategy and External Affairs & Chief of Staff

Gwendolyn Thompson
Deputy Director of Healthcare Quality

Cristi Moore
Chief Communications Officer

Darbi MacPhail
Chief Finance & Operations Officer

Will Britt
Interim General Counsel

Marcus Robinson
Interim Chief Human Resources Director

Holly Gillam
Interim Information Technology Director

Scott Jaillette
Director of Legislative Affairs