Emily Farr tapped as head of South Carolina licensing agency

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Gov. Nikki Haley has tapped a Columbia attorney specializing in employment law as the new head of the state Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.

During a Statehouse news conference Monday, Haley announced that Emily Farr, an attorney at Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, will head the agency.

Farr succeeds Richele Taylor who was named director in December of 2014. Taylor is leaving to join Haley's staff as chief legal counsel. The state Senate must confirm Farr's appointment.

According to her biography, Farr specializes in employment counsel, consumer financial services litigation and title insurance defense.

The department oversees everything from professional licensing and the state fire marshal's office to administering labor laws and checking that amusement rides and elevators are working properly.