Palmetto State News

Governor Henry McMaster has announced that Michael Leach, Director of the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS), will step down from his position effective January 2, 2025. Leach was nominated by the governor in March 2019 and has served for over five years.

“Director Leach has been an exemplary leader for our state, excelling in a challenging role at a crucial time,” stated Governor McMaster. “Thanks to his leadership, the agency is stronger and more effective than when he started. He has improved all aspects of the agency and has positively impacted thousands of lives through his foster care reforms. I deeply appreciate his commitment and service to South Carolina, and I wish him nothing but success in his future endeavors.”

Leach expressed gratitude for his tenure at DSS: "Serving in this role for the past five and a half years at the S.C. Department of Social Services has been an incredible honor and privilege. I have had the chance to work alongside a dedicated team and contribute to serving South Carolina's most vulnerable citizens," he said in his resignation letter. "I believe I was destined to be here in South Carolina at DSS during a chaotic time when people needed help more than ever. I am proud of the work we have done and the positive impact we've made on our South Carolina community."

Under Leach's leadership, significant progress was made within DSS. The percentage of licensed kinship caregivers increased from 6% to over 27%. In 2023 alone, there were 645 public adoptions—a record number—bringing total adoptions since 2019 to 2,572. Leach also spearheaded legislative reforms such as additional support for kinship caregivers introduced in 2022 and establishing the state's kinship guardianship program in 2023.

Governor McMaster indicated that further announcements regarding DSS leadership would be forthcoming.