COLUMBIA--Gov. Mark Sanford on Tuesday appointed businessman and Marine veteran James McClain to serve as the director of the state parole department.

McClain's business and military background make him a logical choice to head the agency, Sanford said.

"Jim McClain, I think, is the personification of leadership. I think he's the personification of the word 'role model,' " Sanford said. "If there's ever an agency that needs to have a role model at the top, I think it's this one."

The Probation, Parole and Pardon Services Department is responsible for the supervision of offenders placed on probation by the court or paroled by the state Board of Paroles and Pardons. The department also oversees offenders in a youthful offender release program from the state Corrections Department.

McClain, 56, said he will work to earn the respect of his employees and peers and to make the department a model for other agencies.

"We commit to do everything possible to assist the parolee or probationer to successfully re-enter and become a productive member of society while at the same time insisting that each one of these folks meet all of their obligations along the way," McClain said.

McClain takes over the department at a time when all state agencies face major budget shortages.

"I know that we're challenged fiscally, but we have a mission and we'll accomplish the mission within the constraints that we have to deal with," McClain said.

The Dillon County native grew up the son of a farmer, with 10 brothers and sisters. A graduate of Arizona State University, he served in the Marine Corps as a fighter pilot and also as its public affairs director. He worked for Roche Diagnostics Corp. from 1996 to January 2001. Since February 2001, McClain has been a senior vice president at Spectral Diagnostics.

The appointment rounds out Sanford's new Cabinet. McClain's nomination still must be confirmed by the Senate.