SCDNR Director to retire after 32 years of service

SCDNR Director Boyles to retire after more than 30 years of service (SCDNR)

(WPDE) — Robert H. Boyles Jr., Director of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, is retiring after 32 years of service.

His retirement will go into effect in January 2025. Boyles has served as SCNDR Director since May 2019.

“Serving as SCDNR director has been the honor of my professional life, and I recognize that any success I have enjoyed is the result of the passion, vision and commitment that our staff and our partners bring to the realm of natural resources stewardship every day,” Boyles said.

Boyles served as the agency’s deputy director for the Marine Resources Division from 2003 to 2019. He began his career with SCDNR as an hourly employee in 1992.

Boyles serves as the president of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. He is also the chair of the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium Board of Directors and chair of the National Fish Habitat Partnership Board.

Boyles has been on several national and regional marine resources stewardship panels as a representative of South Carolina.

He also served as the chair and vice chair of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.

“Director Boyles has been a consummate professional and key member of my cabinet, providing steady leadership throughout his tenure,” Gov. Henry McMaster said. “Under his direction, DNR has thrived, making significant progress in protecting our state’s wildlife and natural resources. I wish him the best of luck as he begins his next chapter, and I thank him for his nearly 32 years of dedicated service to South Carolina.”