SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Rep. Brenda Lee announced Thursday she would give up her seat to take a job with the state Office of Regulatory Staff.

The Democrat, who was the first black woman elected to the Legislature from Spartanburg in 1995, said she was ready for a career change.

"I always said if I am able to serve up to 10 years in the Legislature, then I would take some time to review my goals and see what I have been able to accomplish," Lee told the Herald-Journal of Spartanburg. "I am pleased with all of the work I have been able to accomplish and want a new challenge."

Lee will start her new job Monday as program manager for South Carolina Lifeline and Link-up programs. The job will allow her to travel across the state informing low-income families about funding available to help them pay their telephone bills. The funding comes from the Universal Service Fund.

"This job will allow me to continue to make a contribution and help people," said Lee, who applied for the job on June 27. "I will continue to be visible and viable in the community."

Fellow Democrats said they hated to see her go, but understood her reasons.

Lachlan McIntosh, executive director of the South Carolina Democratic Party, said he was confident the party would keep her seat in the Democrat-rich district.