S.C. taps interim public health director for permanent post

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COLUMBIA (AP) — Dr. Brannon Traxler, a familiar face to many South Carolinians following the state's response to the coronavirus pandemic, will become the state's next public health director.
Traxler, who took on the role on an interim basis last year, will start as permanent director next week, the Department of Health and Environmental Control said in a statement Thursday.
Before that, the Greenville, South Carolina native was the state's chief medical officer for its COVID-19 response. Traxler entered the public eye after the start of the pandemic, making regular appearances at the agency's media briefings and answering questions for the general public.
During her time at DHEC, Traxler oversaw the state's COVID-19 vaccine rollout, as well as its Hepatitis A response.
She originally trained and practiced as a surgeon, getting her medical degree from the University of South Carolina, before switching over to public health, the agency said.
Traxler will be paid a $200,000 salary for the job, a DHEC spokesperson told The State newspaper.
Two other finalists, both from out of state, were considered for the role, the paper reported.