DHEC welcomes new Board Chairman

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)– The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control welcomed Columbia attorney Robert Bolchoz as its new Board Chairman.

“We are very pleased to welcome Mr. Robert Bolchoz as our new DHEC Board Chair,” said DHEC Director Dr. Edward Simmer. “He is a native South Carolinian who has served in numerous public and private leadership roles throughout his career, and we look forward to working with him as he leads our Board.”

Bolchoz expressed his excitement about getting to work protecting South Carolinians.

“The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control plays a critical role in protecting the health and welfare of the citizens of the State and safeguarding its natural resources for future generations,” Bolchoz said. “I greatly appreciate the confidence placed in me by Governor McMaster and the South Carolina State Senate and look forward to serving.”

Bolchoz, a graduate of The Citadel and the University of South Carolina School of Law, has practiced law for over 30 years. Officials say he has also managed government affairs operations in 12 states during his 10 years with an international financial services company.

“As we welcome Chairman Bolchoz we also want to express our gratitude for the service our retiring Board Chair, Mr. Mark Elam, has provided,” Simmer said. “He led the Board through the most serious public health crisis in a century, and his leadership and support has been invaluable to our agency and to me personally.”

Officials with DHEC say his term will run from June 30, 2021-June 30, 2025.