SC S0761

Senate resolution congratulates Michael Leach on his retirement from the South Carolina Department of Social Services effective January 2, 2025

Leach served five years after being nominated by Governor Henry McMaster in March 2019, leading the agency through the COVID-19 pandemic and multiple natural disasters

Led legislative reforms including a 2022 bill supporting kinship caregivers and 2023 legislation establishing the state's kinship guardianship program, resulting in reduced foster care numbers and decreased congregate care use

Achieved operational improvements including staff turnover under 10% (among the lowest nationally for child welfare systems) and modernized agency technology

Resolution directs that a copy be presented to Michael Leach