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SCDNR News

SCDNR board member Duane Swygert awarded Order of the Palmetto

February 13, 2025

S.C. Department of Natural Resources board member Duane Merrill Swygert has been awarded the Order of the Palmetto, the state’s highest civilian honor.

Gov. Henry McMaster presented the award at the Governor’s Office on Feb. 12 in recognition of Swygert’s service in state and federal law enforcement and 20-year tenure as chairman of the Jasper County Republican Party. Swygert, a retired Jasper County businessman, was appointed to the seven-member Natural Resources Board in 2018 to represent South Carolina’s 6th Congressional District.

"Duane Swygert’s lifetime of service exemplifies the very best of South Carolina," McMaster said. "Whether protecting our communities as a law enforcement officer, supporting economic development, or protecting our natural resources, he has made last impact on our state. His dedication and leadership make him truly deserving of this honor."

SCDNR Board Chairman Norman Pulliam said Swygert has been an asset to the board since his appointment, noting his instrumental role in securing funding and rallying support for a statewide Hunters for the Hungry effort.

"We are all very proud of his selection to receive this most prestigious award," Pulliam said.

Swygert is a former president of the Hardeeville Development Corporation, Cinco Partners, New River West Inc., and founder and business manager of New River Enterprises, Inc. His career also includes a stint as manager of New River Plantation in Hardeeville, where he was responsible for managing wildlife, timber and agriculture operations.

Prior to his work in real estate development, Swygert had a long career in law enforcement, retiring from the U.S. Customs Service in Savannah, Georgia. Prior to that, he served as a U.S. Border Patrol agent assigned to El Paso, Texas, police chief of the city of Hardeeville, as a trooper with the S.C. Highway Patrol and an agent with the S.C. Law Enforcement Division. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army.

Swygert has served on numerous boards and commissions, including chairman of the Jasper County Planning Commission, chairman of the Jasper County Appeals Board, the S.C. Juvenile Parole Board, and the Jasper County Chamber of Commerce board of directors.

He served as chairman of the Jasper County Republican Party from 1996 until 2016.

Swygert and his wife, Bonnie, attend Tillman Methodist Church.

"I’m grateful for this award and grateful for all of the wonderful people I’ve worked with over the years," Swygert said. "They have all made this award possible. And I’m certainly grateful for the citizens of South Carolina who I’ve had the privilege to serve."

Established by Gov. John C. West in 1971, the Order of the Palmetto is the state of South Carolina’s highest civilian honor. It is presented in recognition of a lifetime of extraordinary achievement, service and contributions on a national or statewide scale. The Order of the Palmetto recognizes individuals who have selflessly given of their time, resources and goodwill through a variety of different causes and pursuits to the benefit of their neighbors, fellow citizens and the fabric and prosperity of South Carolina.