Haley chooses Cabinet agency director from Hawaii
Haley announced Thursday that she wants Lillian Koller to lead the agency that oversees children’s welfare.
The 55-year-old has been director of Hawaii’s Department of Human Services since 2003, which includes social services.
“We get two for the price of one,” Haley said, a day after being sworn into office. “She brings a true amount of experience in a time where South Carolina needs it. She brings a lot of reform and conservatism in a time South Carolina wants it.”
Koller, who served in Hawaii under two-term Republican Gov. Linda Lingle who left office last month says she accepted the South Carolina job because she was so impressed by Haley.
“It’s this wonderful woman here. Gov. Haley is incredible,” she said, adding that Lingle recommended her.
She said her first priority is dealing with the agency’s gaping budget hole. The agency is asking to run a $29 million deficit for the fiscal year ending June 30.