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

McClain's background in business and the military 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 hard 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. He said he needs to settle into the position before deciding what cuts or changes need to be made.

"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 as the son of a farmer, with 10 brothers and sisters. He graduated from Arizona State University and served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a fighter pilot. He also served as the Marine Corps' public affairs director.

McClain worked for Roche Diagnostics Corp. from 1996 to January 2001. Since February 2001, McClain has served as a senior vice president at Spectral Diagnostics.

Back in February, Sanford appointed Steve Birnie to serve as interim director of the Parole Department until McClain could take over in early April. McClain was busy at Spectral until the fiscal year ended there on March 31.

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