A look at the governor’s chief of staff, his top aide:

• Age: 42

• Hometown: Charleston

• Currently resides: Lake Carolina, Northeast Richland

• Family: Wife, Donna; 3-year-old son, 9-year-old daughter

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in political science, College of Charleston, 1984; graduated USC Law School, 1987

• Professional experience: Attorney with Sinkler & Boyd law firm in Columbia; assistant attorney general under Travis Medlock; staff attorney, State Budget and Control Board; Gov. Mark Sanford’s chief legal counsel since January 2003; co-interim chief of staff, February 2004; chief of staff, July 2004

• Hobbies: Chess

• Salary: $95,790