South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley today named Ray Farmer as director of the state's insurance department. Farmer is a long-time executive with the American Insurance Association.

“Ray has worked in South Carolina, as well as other southeastern states for many years,” says Liz Reynolds, Southeast state affairs manager for the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies in a statement. “He will bring a thorough knowledge of the industry and already-established relationships with company leaders that will be extremely valuable to the state.”

Farmer replaces David Black, who resigned nearly a year ago. Since that time, Deputy Director and General Counsel Gwen Fuller-McGriff has been juggling interim commissioner responsibilities along with her original duties.

The governor's office confirmed the appointment.

The Associated Press says Farmer will take over as director on Dec. 4.

In a statement from the governor's office, Gov. Haley says, “What excites me most is he knows policy. He knows what works in other states, and he knows what doesn't. He knows what businesses are looking for: what earns them a good profit margin, but yet still ensures they deliver good customer service.”

Farmer says, “The more competitors you have that have a presence in this state brings more jobs to our citizens. Currently, the insurance industry employs in excess of 38,000 people in this state. We look to grow that number.”

Leign Ann Pusey, AIA's president and CEO says, “It is always incredibly gratifying when one of AIA's valued colleagues is so prominently recognized for the professional expertise. Ray has been planning to retire from AIA at year's end and we are very pleased that he will be undertaking this new and important role in the next chapter of his career.”

Farmer is currently the vice president of the Southeast region for the AIA and has more than 40 years experience in the insurance industry. He has worked at the Georgia Insurance Department as deputy insurance commissioner of the enforcement division. He also served for over 30 years on the board of the Georgia Arson Control Program.

Update at 5:15 p.m. with additional comments and biographical information.

Special Reports /

South Carolina Names Former AIA Exec Insurance Director

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