S.C. Code Ann. § 13-1-1080

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the executive director shall be appointed in accordance with the following procedures: (A)(1) The commission shall nominate no more than one qualified candidate for the Governor to consider for appointment as executive director. In order to be nominated, a candidate must meet the minimum requirements as provided in Section 13-1-1090. (2) If the Governor rejects a person nominated by the commission for the position of executive director, the commission must nominate another candidate for the Governor to consider until such time as the Governor makes an appointment. (3) In the case of a vacancy in the position of executive director for any reason, the name of a nominee for the executive director's successor must be submitted by the commission to the Governor. (4) The appointment must comply with the provisions contained in Chapter 13, Title 8. (B) The executive director shall serve at the pleasure of the commission and be appointed as provided in this section.