COLUMBIA, S.C. - The Senate Labor Commerce and Industry Committee approved the nomination of Adrienne Youmans as director of the state Labor Licensing and Regulation Department on Thursday.

Youmans, 49, was one of the agency's first employees when government restructuring almost a decade ago put the agency in charge of administrative functions of most of the state's professional and occupational licensing boards and the enforcement of state labor laws. The agency oversees safety inspections elevators and amusement rides.

"I've seen the agency from the very beginning," Youmans told the committee.

She is the first black woman Sanford appointed to his Cabinet.

Youmans had been senior assistant general council at the Public Safety Department, but worked as an administrator at the labor agency from its inception in 1994 until 2000.

She replaces Rita McKinney, an attorney former Gov. Jim Hodges appointed in 1999.

Youmans' nomination now moves to the Senate floor next week where she is expected to get final approval.