Haley’s nominee to lead new Cabinet agency advances

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A Senate committee has advanced Gov. Nikki Haley’s choice to be South Carolina’s first Department of Administration secretary.

Tuesday’s vote by the Senate Finance Committee sent Marcia Adams’ nomination to the chamber floor.

Adams currently leads the Budget and Control Board, the agency that handles much of state government’s bureaucracy.

But it won’t exist after June 30. A long-sought government restructuring law Haley signed last year divides its wide-ranging divisions among several new and existing agencies.

Most workers will transfer to the new Department of Administration. As South Carolina’s 17th Cabinet agency, it gives the governor oversight of bureaucratic functions such as fleet and property management, mail, and technology services.

Adams will remain in her current role until July 1. She makes nearly $193,000 as Budget and Control Board director.