Columbia, South Carolina – South Carolina’s public health agency entered a temporary leadership transition Friday as Gov. Henry McMaster named Dr. Brannon Traxler to serve as acting director of the South Carolina Department of Public Health, placing a familiar medical and public health leader at the front of the department while the state awaits a permanent appointment.
Traxler, who began serving in the role on May 15, 2026, is not new to the agency’s work. She currently serves as deputy director of Health Promotion and Services and chief medical officer for DPH, bringing more than 18 years of experience across medicine, surgery and public health.
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Her appointment puts her in charge of the department on an acting basis until McMaster selects a new director and that choice is confirmed by the South Carolina Senate.
McMaster said Traxler’s background makes her well suited to guide the department through the interim period.
“Dr. Traxler has spent her career improving the well-being of the people of South Carolina and has earned the trust and respect of those she has worked alongside,” said Governor Henry McMaster.
“Her experience in medicine, surgery, and public health leadership gives her a strong understanding of the challenges facing our state and the expertise needed to lead the Department of Public Health.”
The announcement also highlights Traxler’s long record inside South Carolina’s public health system. Before her current role at DPH, she held several leadership positions at the former South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, including director of public health, interim director of public health and physician medical consultant.
Her public profile grew during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she served as chief medical officer for South Carolina’s emergency response. In that role, she was part of the state’s effort to manage one of the most demanding public health crises in recent history, giving her experience in emergency coordination, health messaging and statewide response planning.
Traxler’s academic and medical background is also rooted in a mix of South Carolina institutions and national training. She graduated from Clemson University in 2004, earned a Master of Public Health from George Washington University and received her medical degree from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. She later completed a breast surgery fellowship at Emory University and a general surgery residency at Greenville Health System.
Her selection comes as DPH continues its work as South Carolina’s main public health agency, overseeing efforts tied to disease prevention, health promotion, emergency response and community health services across the state.
While Traxler’s role is temporary for now, the appointment places an experienced physician and administrator in charge during a period of leadership change.
According to the governor’s office, Traxler will continue serving as acting director until a new director is appointed by McMaster and confirmed by the South Carolina Senate.
