Sanford names new DHEC chairman

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Elizabeth Hagood, the seven-member board's new leader, also co-chaired Sanford's Quality of Life Task Force. She also serves as a member of the advisory board for the Lowcountry Open Land Trust, an organization she led for six years as its executive director.

"We've said from the beginning that quality of life is a point of competitive advantage South Carolina has over other states - and one that must be preserved," Sanford said. "Having someone like Elizabeth at DHEC who recognizes that dynamic will be critical to maximizing its benefits for South Carolina."

Wyche, 52, a leading Upstate conservationist, was named to lead the giant agency by former Gov. Jim Hodges four years ago. The longtime lawyer is the founder of Upstate Forever, a nonprofit group that promotes "sensible growth in the Upstate."

DHEC is the state's chief protector of public health and of the environment. The agency employs 4,750 workers with an annual budget of nearly $500 million in state and federal money.

Hagood has served on numerous civic boards and committees, including historic Drayton Hall's Property Site Council, the Charleston Neighborhood Association's Board of Directors and the Preservation Society of Charleston's Preservation Committee.

"Business and conservation principles can and must work together so that we're advancing our economic interests and preserving the health of our people and the natural resources that make South Carolina so uniquely attractive," Hagood said. "Both goals are critical to our state's future and critical to the mission of DHEC, so my goal will be having regulations that incorporate both perspectives."

Wyche praised Sanford's choice.

"I think it's a terrific appointment," he said. "I don't think the governor could have appointed a finer person than Elizabeth to chair the board. I know she will do a terrific job."

Dell Isham, director of the South Carolina chapter of the Sierra Club, said while Hagood is more likely to deal with issues of health, air and water quality at DHEC than land preservation, her background is commendable.

"I think her background and experience indicate she has good instincts," Isham said. "The land preservation work shows she has an environmental conscience. That bodes well."

Sen. Phil Leventis, a Sumter Democrat who sits on the Senate Agricultural and Natural Resources Committee, said while he did not know Hagood, "I think Sanford's made a good choice."

Wyche cited the board's development of water quality standard regulations, a strategic plan and it's hiring of a new commissioner, Earl Hunter, as among the accomplishments of which he is most proud while serving as chairman.

"He's doing a terrific job," he said of Hunter.Isham said Wyche had good record while at DHEC but said many environmentalists "expected more."

"He saw himself in the dual role as the moderator of the board and also as the defender of the agency," Isham said. "I really think the purpose of a citizen board is to bring the views of the citizenry out for a public debate. I think my members felt he did a fairly good job but had high hopes for him that he didn't quite fulfill."

Hagood is a graduate of Davidson College and Virginia's Darden School of Business.