Myra Reece Confirmed as Director of S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) by South Carolina Senate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
May 1, 2025 

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The S.C. Senate officially confirmed Myra Reece as the first director of the S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES). Director Reece was nominated for the position by Gov. Henry McMaster. 

Director Reece had been serving as interim director of SCDES since July 1, 2024, when it launched as a new state agency after a restructuring of the former Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).  

“As a born and raised South Carolinian, I couldn’t be prouder to assume this critical public service position that helps safeguard our irreplaceable natural environment while supporting our state’s unprecedented economic growth,” Director Reece said. “Through a commitment to Science, Service and Sustainability, our agency’s team of environment experts will continue to ensure South Carolina has clean and resilient air, land and water resources now and for generations to come.” 

Director Reece has served in leadership roles with the former DHEC for more than 30 years. She currently serves as Chair of WaterSC, as appointed by Governor McMaster, and is a past-president of the national Environmental Council of States (ECOS).  

Director Reece holds degrees in microbiology and public health and is a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager. She also is a graduate of the Management Academy for Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a graduate of the Southern Center of Excellence in Environmental Health at Emory University. She is a native of the rural town of Johnston in Edgefield County and currently resides in North Augusta with her husband, Danny. They have two sons and two granddaughters.   

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