Greenville’s Dr. Brannon Traxler has been named the new director of public health at the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC). Traxler was a visible presence throughout the pandemic, leading the state’s efforts in combatting the spread of COVID-19.
She starts in the position on Monday, April 19. Traxler served as interim director for several months and has also been the chief medical officer for South Carolina’s COVID-19 response.
“I’m honored and very excited about continuing to work with our DHEC team and our partners throughout the state to see this pandemic through to the end, and I’m also looking forward to helping improve the health of all South Carolinians for many years to come,” Traxler said in an emailed statement.
In her time at DHEC, Traxler has overseen the state’s vaccine rollout plan, COVID-19 testing and the state’s response to Hepatitis. She also led DHEC’s push to become a nationally accredited public health agency.
“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, DHEC Director, in a release. “[Dr. Traxler] 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 was a surgeon before concentrating on public health. She earned a medical degree from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine and her Master of Public Health degree from George Washington University. Traxler graduated from Clemson University’s Honors College with a degree in microbiology.
