SC Probation agency director resigns

COLUMBIA, SC (WCSC) - The first African-American female to head the state's Department of Probation, Pardon and Parole Services has resigned.

The governor's office confirmed Wednesday morning Gov. Nikki Haley accepted the resignation of Kela Thomas.

Haley said she is "grateful for the tremendous service both she and her family have given to our state and the agency."

Scott Norton, currently the agency's deputy director for field operations, will serve as acting director as the governor begins a search for a new director.

The agency's staff was informed about Thomas's resignation Wednesday morning, agency spokesman Peter O'Boyle.

Haley appointed Thomas to the position in 2011. Previously, Thomas had been the agency's deputy director for administration, O'Boyle said. Thomas had served in the department since 1999.

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