APNewsBreak: Gov. Haley names new chief of staff

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Gov. Nikki Haley’s next chief of staff is a former military attorney and State Ethics Commission chairman.

The newly re-elected Republican governor announced Thursday that James Burns will replace Ted Pitts, who has taken a new job with the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.

Pitts has been part of Haley’s administration since she took office in January 2011. As deputy chief of staff, the former House member served as a liaison to legislators and agencies. She named him chief of staff last fall.

Burns is a partner with Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, one of the state’s largest law firms. The 40-year-old graduate of The Citadel formerly worked at the Pentagon for the vice chief of naval operations.

Haley says the transition will occur over the next few weeks.