Mullikin named new SCDNR Director

SC Senate confirmed Mullikin

Early last month, the South Carolina Senate confirmed Thomas S. Mullikin as the new director of SCDNR. After a unanimous vote, Senate President Thomas Alexander swore Mullikin into his new role.

Former director Robert Boyles, Jr. retired after more than three decades of working for the agency. Mullikin is excited about his new position.

“Serving our state as the Director of the Dept. of Natural Resources, for one of the most beautiful places on earth, is the honor of a lifetime,” he said. “I grew up hunting, fishing, hiking and diving across the Palmetto State. Our hunters and anglers were the original conservationists, and we will work together with incredible state leaders and great professionals in SCDNR to ensure that we protect these natural resources for future generations.”

An avid outdoorsman

A seasoned environmental attorney, Mullikin served as chairman of the SC Floodwater Commission, a position appointed by Gov. Henry McMaster.

He also has a joint appointment as a research professor at the University of South Carolina, and Coastal Carolina University’s School of Coastal Environment. He is an avid outdoorsman, and aside from hunting and fishing, has logged scuba dives in every ocean on Earth. He’s also climbed to the peak of more than 20 mountains, including at least one on every continent.

Right for the job

Norman Pulliam, Board Chairman of SCDNR’s Natural Resources Board, said Mullikin is the correct person for the job.

“Dr. Mullikin is the right person at the right time to lead the next chapter at SCDNR,” he said. “The Board is grateful to the Senate for confirming his appointment, and grateful to Director Boyles for his years of service and leadership. We look forward to working with Dr. Mullikin to further the agency’s mission to be the principal advocate for, and steward of, the natural resources of our great state.”

A military veteran, Mullikin is a native of Camden, and resides there with his wife, Virginia Ann.