Dr. Brannon Traxler Will Lead the SC Department of Public Health as Edward Simmer Exits

Dr. Brannon Traxler will lead the SC Department of Public Health as Edward Simmer exits

Gov. McMaster appointed Traxler, the agency's chief medical officer, as interim director Friday. The state Senate had rejected Simmer over COVID-era stances.

McMaster appoints acting director of SC Department of Public Health

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– Friday, May 15, 2026, Governor Henry McMaster appointed Dr. Brannon Traxler as the acting director of the state Department of Public Health. The move comes after Dr. Edward Simmer was removed from the role. Dr. Traxler currently serves as deputy director of Health Promotion and Services & Chief Medical Officer for the DPH and has over 18 years of experience in medicine and public health. Categories: Local News, State…

Gov. Henry McMaster Names Acting Director of S.C. Department of Public Health

Governor Henry McMaster today named Dr. Brannon Traxler as the acting director of the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH). Dr. Traxler currently serves as deputy director of Health Promotion and Services & Chief Medical Officer for DPH and has over 18 years of experience in medicine and public health.