South Carolina Gov. Names Public Safety Director

April 25, 2008

South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford nominated State Law Enforcement Division Chief of Staff Mark Keel to become the director of the state Department of Public Safety.

Prior to becoming chief of staff, Keel, 50, was captain in charge of tactical operations, where he supervised SLED's aviation unit, bloodhound tracking team, special weapons and tactics team and fugitive task force.

Keel began his career at SLED in 1979 and holds a law degree from the University of South Carolina.

Keel will begin work at the agency pending Senate confirmation.

Source: Office of the Governor of South Carolina