Shrivastava-Patel named South Carolina health, environment board chair

A first generation American of Indian heritage, she will become first woman of color board chair

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has nominated Indian American Seema Shrivastava-Patel to be the next chair of the South Carolina Board of Health and Environmental Control (Board). She has served on the Board since 2018 and has been Vice Chair since 2021.

If confirmed, Shrivastava-Patel, a first generation American of Indian heritage, will become the first woman of color to serve as Board chair.

“Shrivastava-Patel is a highly respected member of the South Carolina Board of Health and Environmental Control and with six years of experience she is an expert on the workings of DHEC,” McMaster said in a March 15 statement.

“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.”

As a member of the Board, Shrivastava-Patel helped navigate the agency through the Covid-19 pandemic, led the search for a new agency director, improved customer service, renewed a focus on recruitment and retention of staff, and emphasized the importance of measurable outcomes for the agency.

She has an extensive business background that includes a 20-year career in the convenience and food service industry and as president of the Carolina Convenience Corporation.

“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,” said Shirvastava-Patel.

Read: Governor Henry McMaster Names Shrivastava-Patel as Chair of DHEC Board (March 15, 2023)

The Board oversees the operations of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. The at-large seat on the Board was left vacant when former Chair Robert Bolchoz resigned from the position in December.

Shrivastava-Patel is a University of South Carolina graduate and resides in Lexington with her husband and two children.

The governor’s appointment is subject to senate approval.