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DHEC selects health care CEO as new director

Staff Report //December 22, 2020//

DHEC selects health care CEO as new director

Staff Report //December 22, 2020//

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Dr. Edward Simmer, current CEO of TRICARE Health Plan, has been selected as director of the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.

Simmer previously served as the CEO and commanding officer at the Naval Health Clinic in Oak Harbor, Wash. He will retire from the Navy on Dec. 31.

Simmer (Photo/Provided)The selection comes as South Carolina continues to battle COVID-19. On Monday, DHEC reported 2,121 confirmed new cases and 21 confirmed deaths, bringing the state’s totals to 255,210 confirmed cases and 4,587 confirmed deaths. Of 9,796 new reported test results, 21.7% were positive.

S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster was notified on Monday night that he had tested positive for the virus, according to a statement from his office. The governor will isolate for the next 10 days and will receive monoclonal antibody treatment, a preventive measure for mild to moderate symptoms, today, according to the statement.

McMaster’s wife, Peggy, also tested positive and remains asymptomatic, the governor’s office said.

“Peggy and I urge everyone to be extra careful during the Christmas holiday season,” McMaster said in the statement. “This virus spreads very easily.”

McMaster must approve the selection of the DHEC director, who also must be confirmed by the Senate and will serve a four-year term.

Simmer received his medical degree from Saint Louis University and holds a master’s in public health with a focus in epidemiology from Eastern Virginia Medical School. He is board-certified in general and forensic psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and has an administrative psychiatry certification from the America Psychiatric Association.

“2020 has emphasized the importance of the work being done by DHEC employees each day,” Mark Elam, DHEC board chair, said in a news release. “The selection of Dr. Edward Simmer to serve as the director of DHEC reaffirms the board’s commitment to promoting and protecting the health and safety of all South Carolinians, and the communities where they live, work and play. Dr. Simmer’s experience in management through his over-30-year naval career, long-time residency in Beaufort and proven leadership skills will serve the agency, its many talented and dedicated staff and the people of South Carolina well.” 

Simmer was chosen from a pool of 83 applicants, according to the release.

Rick Toomey resigned as DHEC director in May, citing recent health problems and a desire to spend more time with family. Dr. Joan Duwve resigned as the agency’s director of public health in September.  

Tricare, formerly known as the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services, is a health care program of the U.S. Department of Defense Military Health System. Simmer’s career (.pdf) also included a stint from October 2010 to May 2012 as COO of the Naval Hospital in Beaufort.

“With his strong track record in providing strategic direction for and managing large, complex organizations, we are confident in Dr. Simmer’s ability to work with agency experts and community partners to successfully lead us through the current public health and environmental challenges before us and those ahead,” Elam said.

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