Boykin to lead agency overseeing employee benefits

COLUMBIA (AP) — Leadership at the South Carolina agency that manages public workers' retirement benefits and health insurance has come full circle.

By a 10-0 vote Thursday, Peggy Boykin was named the new director of the Public Employee Benefits Authority, or PEBA. Boykin has been a board member at the agency since legislators created it in 2012 as part of the pension reform law. She recused herself from the vote.

Boykin was director of PEBA's predecessor, the South Carolina Retirement Systems, which was a division of a larger agency. But Gov. Nikki Haley replaced Boykin after taking office in 2011.

Board chairman Art Bjontegard says Boykin was chosen from 85 applicants after a national search. He says many employees lobbied for Boykin's selection. Her first day in the new role will be Monday.