Robert M. Kerr announced his resignation Thursday as Director of the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, effective in approximately three weeks. Kerr is leaving to form a private health care consulting firm.
Kerr, 48, has worked for the agency for 22 years, serving as Director since his appointment by Gov. Mark Sanford in March 2003. Kerr thanked Gov. Sanford and all the employees at the agency for their strong support during his tenure.
“I want to thank the Governor for the confidence he has placed in me these past few years and the employees who have made this a great place to work,” Kerr said. “It’s been my privilege to serve among some of the hardest working people in state government, who dedicate themselves every day to improving the lives of our citizens.”
The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services provides comprehensive Medicaid assistance to about 850,000 South Carolinians each year.
During Kerr’s four-year tenure as agency head, DHHS has dramatically reduced program inflation while enhancing services to both beneficiaries and Medicaid providers. Under his leadership, DHHS is now nationally recognized as a model for innovative health care reform.
"I can't say enough good things about the job Robby has done over at HHS," Gov. Sanford said. “The bottom line is that Robby is leaving the agency in far better shape than what he inherited, so I want to personally thank him for the job he's done and wish him the best of luck going forward."
Kerr, a native of South Carolina, is a 1981 graduate of the University of South Carolina. He holds professional licenses as a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Management Accountant. He is also a graduate of the South Carolina Executive Institute, a management education program for state government leaders.
Kerr and his wife, Janet, have three children, and live in Lexington.