The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control is seeking a new leader to fight the coronavirus pandemic as the unprecedented health crisis marches through the state \u2014 and some officials say it\u2019s critical that DHEC choose the right person.<\/p>\n
It may be late December before the agency makes a decision on a new executive director to replace Rick Toomey, who resigned<\/a> in late spring during the height of the pandemic. Toomey, who had high blood pressure and a heart condition, served less than 18 months.<\/p>\n So far, the board has received 45 applications for the director\u2019s job, which pays a minimum of $178,126 annually. Acting director Marshall Taylor, the department\u2019s chief legal counsel, has not applied for the position, a spokeswoman said.<\/p>\n The agency\u2019s board is scheduled to meet Monday to discuss the vacancy.<\/p>\n \u201cThe board is committed to ensuring the most appropriate, qualified, and experienced individuals are reviewed for this important position,\u2019\u2019 agency spokeswoman Cristi Moore said in an email.<\/p>\n Read it all<\/a>.<\/p>\n State agency seeks leader as coronavirus rages in South Carolina https:\/\/t.co\/VbvDlzGloZ<\/a><\/p>\n — The State Newspaper (@thestate) October 24, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n \n