Gov. Nikki Haley Names Ray Farmer to Head Dept. of Insurance

After more than 10 months without a leader, the Department of Insurance has a new director. At a statehouse press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Gov. Nikki Haley announced that Ray Farmer will be the new Director of the South Carolina Department of Insurance starting on Dec. 3.

Haley said that Farmer's strong background in the private sector was a key factor in his appointment, but the governor also cited his experience in multiple states and with multiple insurance lines.

Farmer is a Georgia native and has spent the last 33 years as the Vice President of the South East Region of the American Insurance Association.

Haley said other candidates were considered but withdrew themselves from contention due to the salary requirements. The pay for the position is $112,407.

The Director position came open when David Black unexpectedly resigned last December. Gwen Fuller-McGriff was subsequently named acting director.

Farmer's appointment becomes official with Senate approval.