Earlier, Patel served as chief legal counsel for Haley,
Raghavendra M.
Follow @ambazaarmag
South Carolina governor Nikki Haley has selected Swati S. Patel, an Indian-American, as her new chief of staff.
Patel, who worked as chief legal counsel for Haley, an Indian-origin governor since 2011, will replace James Burns on September 1, reports The Post and Courier.
Burns, who joined Haley’s office in 2014, is returning to Nelson Mullins Riley and Scarborough LLP law firm, his earlier partner.
Speaking to The state, Haley said, “I can’t think of anyone who is more widely respected or uniquely qualified to lead our team than Swati Patel”.
“Swati’s steady leadership as legal counsel has strengthened our staff, guided our administration and helped us deliver results to the people of South Carolina – and, as chief of staff, Swati will keep that momentum going,” Haley added.
Meanwhile, Holly Pisarik will replace Patel as Haley’s chief legal counsel. Pisarik worked as a special assistant to Susan Alford, director of the state department of social services.