James Schweitzer, 55, is the special agent in charge of the FBI's Columbia headquarters and previously has served as an instruction chief for the FBI Academy in Quantico, Va.

He would replace Boykin Rose as director of the Public Safety Department.

Along with the state Highway Patrol, the agency operates the Bureau of Protective Services, the State Transport Police and the state Criminal Justice Academy.

The Senate has to approve Sanford's nominee.

The governor said Schweitzer's statewide and other experience better suits him for the job than a number of qualified sheriff's around the state. Because he's never run for an elected office, Sanford said Schweitzer won't carry the political baggage others might in dealing with local law enforcement agencies or public officials.

Sanford said during a gubernatorial debate in the 2002 campaign it was "a waste of human life" that so many people were forced to stand in line for hours at Division of Motor Vehicle offices, then under Rose's control.