Heyward Hilliard joined the South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs as the first division Director of Veteran Homes in April 2024. Hilliard has served the long-term care needs of South Carolinians for more than 30 years with 22 years of service to our Veterans and their families. 

Hilliard has remained an active member and held leadership positions with the American Health Care Association, South Carolina Health Care Association and the National Association of State Veterans Homes. He is a four-time recipient of top administrative honors with two leading long-term care corporations, and he provides leadership training in health care and offers key customer service focus tips for new team members. With more than 22 years of service to state Veterans Homes and the son of a United States Navy Veteran, Mr. Hilliard is passionate about serving the Veterans of our country. He is a graduate of Erskine College with a degree in Psychology and Business Management. He and wife Amy of 30 years have two children.

"I am excited to join the dedicated team at the SC Department of Veterans Affairs as we work to better serve the health care needs of veterans in our state," says Hilliard. "South Carolina is blessed to have the support of this agency, its leaders and the incredible leaders in our legislature that recognize our duty to those who have served. It is an honor to join this mission."