Gov. Larry Rhoden announced several staff changes Monday, two days after taking office when former Gov. Kristi Noem resigned to join President Donald Trump’s cabinet.
Among the key changes, longtime governor’s office spokesman Ian Fury will remain as communications director and will also continue to serve as Rhoden’s “unborn child advocate.” However, Fury will not be the governor’s spokesman appearing on day-to-day press releases. A new person will take over that role in soon.
Rhoden also named Mackenzie Decker as his new chief of staff. Decker has worked in state government for 12 years, including roles with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and as a close advisor to Noem. She holds a master’s in administration and organizational leadership from the University of South Dakota.
Former Lt. Gov. Matt Michels will serve as senior advisor and counsel, as first reported by The Dakota Scout. Michels previously held the position under Gov. Dennis Daugaard and served as Speaker of the House.
Darin Seeley will continue as commissioner of the Bureau of Human Resources and Administration, but will no longer serve as the Governor’s Office chief operations officer.
Beth Hollatz, who was a senior advisor to Noem, will retire from state government on Feb. 1. She had worked with Noem for eight years and in Congress with her before that.
More staffing announcements, including Rhoden’s lieutenant governor pick, are expected soon.
Austin Goss-SDBA