Columbia, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster today announced Cheryl Stanton’s resignation as Executive Director of the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW), effective December 7, 2018.

“Director Stanton’s service to South Carolina and the people who live and work here have made our state stronger, and we couldn’t be more grateful for her many contributions,” said Gov. Henry McMaster. “Under her leadership for over five years, the men and women at DEW have made great strides in training the next generation of South Carolina’s workforce and making our state an attractive place for economic investment. We look forward to working with industry leaders and members of the General Assembly to find the next executive director that will continue to build on the agency’s successes.”

Originally nominated to lead the agency by former Governor Nikki Haley in 2013, Stanton has led the agency during a time that saw the state’s unemployment rate drop from 8.1 percent in June of 2013 to 3.3 percent in October of this year - the lowest in the state’s history. With 2,231,027 employed in the state, more South Carolinians are working than at any other time in the state’s history.

Additionally, DEW has cut the state unemployment tax rates for six consecutive years, for a cumulative savings to the business community of nearly $1 billion, while rebuilding the unemployment insurance trust fund.

“While the time has come for me to move on to new opportunities, my experience at DEW has been incredible,” Stanton said. “I cannot underscore how proud I am of the employees at this agency. Their dedication and determination to make a difference has been inspiring, and I am humbled to have been part of that effort. I will always remain grateful for the opportunity, and I am happy to leave the agency with outstanding leadership in place.”

Jamie Suber, who has served as DEW’s Assistant Executive Director of the Unemployment Insurance Division since September of 2015, will serve as Acting Director. Having served in multiple capacities at DEW since 2007, Suber has over 11 years of experience at the agency.