SC governor appointee Ray Farmer to retire after nearly a decade as insurance chief [The State (Columbia, S.C.)]

Apr. 12—COLUMBIA, S.C. — Ray Farmer, who was first appointed to run South Carolina's Department of Insurance under former Gov. Nikki Haley in 2012, will retire after nearly a decade on the job, the governor's office announced Tuesday.

Farmer's retirement is effective Friday, the governor's office said.

Michael Wise, 35, of Richland County, will serve as acting director until the governor appoints Farmer's successor and that person is confirmed by the state Senate.

Wise, who serves as the deputy director of actuarial and market services, has worked for the insurance agency since 2009.

As director for nearly a decade, the governor's office credited Farmer, 75, with focusing his efforts on consumer protection, and helping to adopt the state's Insurance Data Security and Private Flood Insurance acts and creating a fraud division inside the department. He served on the state's Floodwater Commission and as the president of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

"Through innovative consumer protection policy, natural disaster education programs, and by expanding career advancement opportunities for SCDOI employees, Director Farmer has led the agency to new heights and built a strong foundation for the future," Gov. Henry McMaster said in a statement Tuesday. "South Carolina is better because of Director Farmer's tireless service to our people."

Through the governor's office, Farmer, an Atlanta native, said after 53 years in the insurance business, "this is truly the best job I've ever had."

"It has been an honor to work alongside my team of dedicated public servants for the last nine years as we strived to make life better for every consumer in the Palmetto State," he said.

This story will be updated.

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