PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem today announced that Laurie Gill will serve as Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS). She will begin serving in this capacity on July 9, 2019.

“Laurie is committed to excellence in everything she does,” said Noem. “I’ve been impressed with her leadership at the Bureau of Human Resources (BHR) and the ways she places value in people. Her experience, compassion, and work ethic will be incredibly valuable as we work to educate the state about the need for foster families, adoptive families, and safe homes for every child.”

“I’m deeply honored to continue serving South Dakota with Governor Noem at the Department of Social Services,” said Gill. “I’ve been blessed to build my career in State Government, and I look forward to using my experiences to strengthen families and protect the next generation of South Dakotans.”

Laurie Gill has served as commissioner of BHR since 2013. Previously, she served as Secretary of Human Services and has held leadership roles in the Department of Health. Gill also served for nine years as the mayor of Pierre.

An interim commissioner for BHR will be announced in the coming days.