The Statewide Appointment Process

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“Statewide appointments are a little different. They’re a little more sought after, but there are so many boards if you’re looking to get your feet wet serving.”
-S.C. State Senator Sandy Senn, District 41

There are numerous appointing authorities for statewide boards and commissions. The Governor appoints the majority of members, but others may be selected by their legislative delegation, House and Senate leaders, current board members, or outside organizations. In addition to the vast array of decision-makers involved, some positions also require Senate confirmation or a vote of the whole legislature. Let’s take a look at the various application processes:

Governor Appointed Positions

The appointment process can be rather straightforward for positions that are appointed by the Governor and do not require legislative approval.

Apply online to the board or commission of your choice. You may only apply for one position on the application.
The Governor’s office will review your application to ensure you meet the requirements for serving.
The Governor’s office will contact you if they are interested in moving forward with your appointment. They may request you complete more forms and provide additional information.
You will likely need a background check and a credit check. They will call you if there are any irregularities to discuss. They do not wish to discount someone because of one moment in time. However, there are some disqualifying events, such as defaulting on a student loan.
Once you have been thoroughly vetted, your information is presented to the Governor for his consideration. If the Governor decides to appoint you, you will receive a phone call from his office.

Senate Confirmed Positions

Seats appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate will follow the same steps as above. Below are the additional steps required.

If Governor McMaster selects you for appointment to a seat that requires confirmation, his staff will contact you to start completing your confirmation paperwork.
In addition to background and credit checks, you must complete personal and financial data questionnaires and provide five letters of recommendation. When providing letters of recommendation, consider which experts’ recommendations will wield the most influence with the committee. Generally, they will be experts in your field, people with whom you share a mutual connection, or those who may command the committee’s attention.
Once the Governor’s office has fully vetted you, they will submit your information to the Senate for advice and consent.
You will be scheduled for a sub-committee or committee hearing date to answer any questions the Senate committee may have. Sometimes, more than one meeting is necessary.
Before you meet with the committee, we recommend you familiarize yourself with the committee members. Review the Senate website to determine which senators are committee members so you may review their legislative records, background, and personal activities.
Draft an opening statement for the hearing stating your qualifications, dedication to the subject area, why you would like to be appointed, and what you hope to accomplish.
Prepare for the hearing as you would a job interview. Consider how best to address your experience, accomplishments, recommendations, goals, and weaknesses when questioned. It is a good idea to rehearse with others who may help you plan for questions likely to be asked.
After your hearing, the committee will vote on whether to move you to the full Senate, where each member will have the opportunity to vote.

Other Types of Appointed Positions

Screening Committees: Some of the most sought-after boards and commissions have their applicants screened by a committee of legislators. In these cases, applicants go before the responsible committee for an interview. The nominees recommended by the committee then go before the legislature for a vote. There may be an exception to this process for recess appointments. Recess appointments happen when a sudden vacancy on the board or commission occurs while the legislature is not in session. Recess appointees serve until the next legislative session begins, at which point legislators must formally appoint them. Keep in mind that some boards have members appointed by various authorities. For example, a university board may require that some members be appointed by the Governor, some by the alumni association, and some by the General Assembly. Only those appointed by the General Assembly must go before the screening committee. Review the enabling legislation to see who the appointing authority is for the seat you are interested in. Below are some examples of boards and commissions whose members are screened by committees.

Legislative Delegation Appointments: Legislative delegations are responsible for some appointments. This is particularly true when a board serves a particular region or requires members from certain counties. The appointment process for these boards may vary by legislative delegation. Contacting your delegation’s staff to learn their procedure is always best. However, generally, those interested in being appointed must complete an application, which delegation members screen, and they may be interviewed as well. Also, consult the board’s enabling legislation, as this will explain whether the position is appointed by the legislative delegation or recommended by the legislative delegation and appointed by the Governor. If the Governor appoints the position, you will likely be subject to a background and credit check prior to being appointed.

Elected Positions: It may seem odd to include elected positions in our appointed office course. We’re doing so because some medical professional boards mandate that some members be appointed, especially lay members, and others be elected. Those elected are usually members of that profession. The board or commission organizes the election, and members of the trade across the state cast votes. The Governor then has the right to reject those selected, which will spur another election. Examples include the South Carolina Board of Examiners in Optometry, the Medical Disciplinary Commission of the State Board of Medical Examiners, and the South Carolina Board of Chiropractic Examiners.

Appointments by Outside Organizations or Specific Legislators: A board may require that members be recommended or appointed by specific organizations, such as advocacy groups or professional associations. You must contact the organization directly to express your interest in serving and follow their procedures. Other boards require that specific legislators appoint members. The legislators are usually committee chairs or House and Senate leaders. Again, you will reach out to their office directly to apply.

Ashlye Wilkerson, Ph.D., Winthrop Board of Trustees Member, discusses the lengthy process of being appointed to her position.

TIP: Generally, the more complicated the appointment process for the board, the more competitive the selection becomes. It’s complex because those positions have real authority and influence, so they’re more sought after. That doesn’t have to scare you off. Just be aware of the competition, and work your connections.