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Article published Apr 9, 2003
Sanford picks parole chief
AMY GEIER EDGAR
Associated Press
COLUMBIA -- 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.