DPH Announces Hiring of Britt as General Counsel

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 21, 2024

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) today wishes to announce the hiring of William Britt as General Counsel for the agency.

Britt has served as the agency’s interim General Counsel since July 1 and previously worked for the state's predecessor public health agency, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). Joining DHEC in 2014, Britt became Chief Counsel for Public Health in 2016, leading a team of lawyers that provided counsel and legal assistance to all of the agency's public health programs. Britt also served as the Deputy Incident Commander for the agency's COVID-19 emergency response until the spring of 2021.

In his new role, Britt serves as chief legal counsel for the agency where he oversees the offices of General Counsel, Compliance, Freedom of Information and Internal Audits. He also will serve on the agency’s executive leadership team.

“I am extremely honored and humbled to be able to help lead South Carolina’s public health agency into the future to serve the people of this state,” Britt said. “I am lucky to have an incredibly talented team around me of dedicated professionals and experts, and together we will work hard to improve the lives of South Carolinians.” 

Prior to joining DHEC, Britt spent fifteen years in private practice, including as a partner in the Columbia law firm Bruner Powell Wall and Mullins, LLC.  Britt practiced in the areas of complex business, construction and professional malpractice litigation, representing business owners, contractors, lawyers, nurses, insurance agents and other professionals.  

“Our agency is indeed fortunate to have someone of Britt’s caliber as chief legal counsel,” said Dr. Edward Simmer, DPH interim director. “Will has been with DHEC and now DPH for a decade now and seen it through a great number of challenges with character and integrity.

“I’m delighted he has agreed to continue to serve the agency and people of South Carolina in this new role.”

A native of South Carolina, Britt attended Wofford College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. He then attended graduate school at The Citadel, earning a Master of Education degree in school psychology. Britt received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law.

Britt’s biography and headshot can be found here.