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South Carolina
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has announced his nomination for the next chair of the South Carolina Board of Health and Environmental Control. Indian American Seema Shrivastava-Patel, who has served on the board as vice-chair, was nominated. The seat was left vacant after former DHEC Chair Robert Bolchez resigned in December 2022. The Board oversees the operations of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.
“Shrivastava Patel is a highly respected member of the South Carolina Board of Health and Environmental Control and with 6 years of experience, she is an expert on the workings of DHEC,” Governor Henry McMaster said. “With this extensive knowledge of the agency and her experience as Vice Chair, she is the best choice to lead a smooth transition that will propel the agency forward and advance South Carolina’s public health and environmental missions.”
“I am grateful to Governor McMaster for entrusting me with the opportunity to serve as the next Chair and look forward to working with my colleagues, as well as DHEC’s team of talented and dedicated employees, to continue to move the agency forward for the people of South Carolina,” Shirvastava Patel said.
Since 2018, Shrivastava Patel served through the COVID pandemic, played a key role in the search for DHEC’s new director, worked on staff recruitment and retention, and emphasized measurable outcomes for the agency.
A South Carolina graduate and a first-generation Indian-American, She would become the first person of color and the second woman to lead the Board if confirmed by the state senate. With a 20-year career in the convenience and food service industry and also as president of Carolina Convenience Corporation, Shrivastava Patel comes with an extensive business background.
