COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – Governor Henry McMaster announced on Tuesday who he appointed as the first director of the South Carolina Department of Public Health.
McMaster appointed Edward Summer, Ph.D., who served as the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) from February 2021 until its reorganization in July.
“Dr. Edward Simmer joined DHEC in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and immediately proved to be an exceptional leader and invaluable member of Team South Carolina,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “As interim director of DPH, he has successfully guided the agency through a smooth transition, once again proving he is the right person to lead. I am grateful for his continued commitment to serving our state and know he will build upon the progress he has made in advancing public health in South Carolina.”
Before his DHEC appointment, Simmer, 59, served on active duty in the United States Navy where held various leadership positions including Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Director for the TRICARE Health PlanStates.
According to a press release, Simmer led a team of 4,000 professionals in public health, healthcare quality, and environmental protection in his role DHEC’s director. He also oversaw the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and more.
“I am honored to have been nominated by Governor McMaster to serve as the first director of the South Carolina Department of Public Health,” said Simmer. “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.”
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Gov. Henry McMaster appoints first director of the Department of Public Health
