McMaster names new chief of S.C. Department of Social Services
COLUMBIA, S.C. - Gov. Henry McMaster announced the new head of the South Carolina Department of Social Services on Tuesday afternoon.
McMaster named Tony Catone, the agency’s current acting director, as the permanent director of the department. Prior to serving as acting director for DSS, Catone served as the department’s general counsel.
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“It is a very important position,” said McMaster. “Fortunately, we have a man who has been a leader, who’s been educated, who’s been tested, who has enormous experience, and is ready to take this job.”
Catone has served as a member of the department’s leadership team for 10 years, according to the Office of the Governor.
“I’m deeply honored by the opportunity to serve the people of South Carolina and to lead an agency that plays such a critical role in the wellbeing of our communities,” said Catone.
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During the announcement, Catone said he wanted to strengthen child welfare services, expand access to mental health care and empower communities to be proactive in protecting their children.
Catone became the department’s acting director in January after its prior director Michael Leach announced his resignation in October 2024. Leach led DSS for over five and a half years, maneuvering the state agency through multiple hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic.
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