Noem names Wasko to lead South Dakota corrections system

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — The individual who will lead South Dakota’s correctional system comes from Colorado where she was president of a company that administers health care service to state and local corrections partners. Gov. Kristi Noem Wednesday announced the appointment of Kellie Wasko as the new Secretary of Corrections, effective March 7. Wasko currently serves as the CEO of Correctional Health Partners in Denver, Colorado. Prior to 2019, Wasko served as the Deputy Executive Director for the Colorado Department of Corrections where she was responsible for the daily operations of 23 prisons.