SC Governor Elevates Wise to DOI Director Position

South Carolina’s governor has elevated acting insurance department leader Michael Wise to the position of director.

Wise, who’s been with the Department of Insurance since 2009, was named acting director a year ago, after longtime director, Ray Farmer, retired.

“Michael has done a splendid job in his short time as acting director and I’ll be submitting his name to the Senate immediately for confirmation,” Gov. Henry McMaster said at a news conference this week.

Like the former Florida insurance commissioner, David Altmaier, Wise has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. Wise also is a member of the American Academy of Actuaries. At the DOI, he served as deputy director of actuarial and market services before being named acting director of the department.

Last year, Wise took steps to crack down on what McMaster called “shady bail bond practices,” and has overseen efforts to deter insurance fraud through more than 70 arrests.

“I couldn’t be more excited,” Wise said. “Our core mission is to protect consumers.”

He pledged to maintain good communication with all stakeholders in the insurance arena.

Photo: Wise at the press conference, flanked by his wife and former Director Ray Farmer. (YouTube)

Topics South Carolina