McMaster announces new acting director of DSS

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – Governor Henry McMaster announced Thursday that the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) officially has new leadership.

Tony Catone, who previously served as General Counsel at DSS, has been named Acting State Director of the agency until a new permanent director is appointed by McMaster and confirmed by the Senate.

Catone has served as a member of the department’s leadership team for 10 years, according to the Office of the Governor.

“As Acting State Director, our top priority for our agency will be to continue the positive reform trajectory we have forged under Director Michael Leach’s outstanding leadership,” said Catone. “His energy and deep commitment will be sorely missed.”

Catone said he intends to work on “large-scale reform efforts” for South Carolina’s foster care system as well as strengthening the agency’s Adult Protective Services. He also said he wants to continue providing support for households in need of food and improve child care affordability.

Prior to Catone, DSS was led by Michael Leach, who announced his resignation in October. Leach led DSS for over five and a half years, maneuvering the state agency through multiple hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s exhausting, and I want to spend more time present with my family, and so it’s time to go,” Leach said in an interview.

Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter, and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.

Copyright 2025 WIS. All rights reserved.