Gov. Mark Sanford appointed Neil James of Loris to fill the unexpired term of Chris Shannon on the Horry County School Board, according to a news release issued today.

Shannon was indicted in June on charges of using an employer's money for personal use. He was formally charged with breach of trust with fraudulent intent and Sanford suspended him following the issuance of an indictment.

James is an engineer with Santee Cooper and serves as chairman of the Loris Area Schools Advisory Board and is a board member of the Loris Athletic Booster Club and Loris Future Farmers of America Booster Club.

"By most every account we've received, Mr. James has a real knowledge when it comes to the needs and development of students in Horry County," Sanford said in the release. "I'd thank him both for his willingness to serve and the passion he brings to what will surely be a challenging and important position."

Eight people applied to be considered for the appointment to fill Shannon's term that expires in November 2010.

School board members conducted interviews of the eight applicants and recommended James to Sanford.