Gov. Henry McMaster announces next Department of Health and Human Services Director
November 9, 2017Governor Henry McMaster announced Joshua Baker as the next director of the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
Earlier this spring, the governor created a search committee of state healthcare leaders that assisted him throughout the selection process following the departure of former agency director Christian Soura. That group included:
- Senator Thomas Alexander, Chairman of the Health and Human Services Subcommittee of the Senate Finance Committee
- Representative Murrell Smith, Chairman of the Healthcare Subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee
- Thornton Kirby, President and CEO of the South Carolina Hospital Association
- Jim Ritchie, Executive Director of SC Alliance of Health Plans
- Tricia Richardson, Executive Director of SC Thrive
Prior to joining DHHS, Mr. Baker served as Governor Nikki Haley’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Budget and Policy, and was the primary author of the FY 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 executive budgets. He began his career in the medical field through service in the United States Army, where he filled several technical and leadership roles in clinical laboratories.
Baker, 36, is a resident of Lexington County and is married with three children.
.
.