COLUMBIA (WACH, AP) -- South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley has picked three more nominees to run state agencies.
In her first pick Friday morning, Haley introduced a veteran employee to take over the state's alcohol and drug abuse agency.
She has chosen Robert Toomey to lead the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services.
Toomey formerly was interim director of the Department of Health and Human Services. He also previously worked for the General Assembly.
Haley says she Toomey knows just how important this agency is to make sure people get the care they need.
"He understands that when we are dealing with DAODAS and addictions. The key is we have to reduce and become more efficient but when it comes to addictions if you don't give people treatment hey will cost you more money later," Haley said Friday morning.
Toomey's selection must be confirmed by the state Senate.
Haley also picked two Army officers to lead the state's motor vehicles and transportation agencies later in the day.
She wants retired Army Maj. Gen. Robert St. Onge to lead the Department of Transportation and Army Col. Kevin Shwedo for the Department of Motor Vehicles.
St. Onge retired from the Army in 2003 after 34 years. The 63-year-old former West Point commander and former deputy assistant secretary of defense lives in Lexington. Haley says she wanted someone in the job who would not be swayed by politics.
Shwedo has served in the Army for 32 years. The 54-year-old retires this month. He has been the deputy commanding officer at Fort Jackson since 2007.
“When you come from the kind of military backgrounds that our nominees do, you have unique and invaluable experience running complex organizations efficiently and effectively without letting politics get in the way,” Haley said. “We’re excited to welcome Bob and Kevin to our team not just because they’ve served our country; we’re excited that they’re going to be able to do great things for DOT and DMV.”
All of her nominees will need to be approved by the Senate.
(The Associated Press contributed to this story.)
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