Traxler named DHEC’s director of public health

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Dr. Brannon Traxler, who has served as the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control’s interim director of public since last September, has been named the agency’s director of public health.

Traxler, a Greenville native who also served as DHEC’s chief medical officer for the state’s COVID-19 response, oversaw statewide testing and the rollout of S.C.’s vaccination plan.

“As a lifelong South Carolinian, I am dedicated to DHEC's mission to promote and protect the health of the people and environment of our great state, and it is an honor to be selected to work alongside our amazing DHEC team as we work together to improve the lives of all those who live, work and play in our state,” Traxler said in a news release.

In September 2020, Dr. Joan Duwve stepped down as DHEC public health director.

“DHEC was fortunate to attract great candidates for this critical position and I sincerely appreciate their interest in serving the people of South Carolina,” said Dr. Edward Simmer, confirmed as DHEC director in February. “I am pleased to offer the position of public health director to Dr. Brannon Traxler. She has done a terrific job in the interim role and I am confident that she will continue to do great things for her fellow South Carolinians.”

Traxler is trained and board-certified in general surgery. She earned a medical degree from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine and a Master of Public Health degree from George Washington University.