Agency Leadership | South Carolina Department of Public Health

Hurricane Helene: Public Health Department Closures

Our public health departments' hours of operation may be affected by power and staffing outages. This means that some closures may not appear on the state government office delays and closings map. The health and safety of our employees and our clients remains our highest priority. We are working to get services restored as safely and quickly as possible.

Learn more about DPH's role with hurricanes, floods, and weather emergencies.

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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.

See the DPH Organizational Chart for more information on how the agency is structured at a high level.

Executive Leadership Team

Dr. Edward Simmer
Interim Agency Director

Darbi MacPhail
Deputy Director of Finance and Operations

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

Will Britt
General Counsel

Sharon Burke
Chief Human Resources Director

Holly Gillam
Information Technology Director

Scott Jaillette
Director of Legislative Affairs