Noem names new Social Services Secretary

January 2, 2023

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Gov. Kristi Noem has appointed a Catholic administrator as the state’s next social services secretary.

Noem has chosen Diocese of Sioux Falls Chancellor Matt Althoff to repace outgoing Social Services Secretary Laurie Gill. Gill plans to retire on Jan. 8. She has served as secretary since 2019.

Althoff has worked as the diocese’s chancellor for the past 13 years. He helped develop the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House, which helps homeless people in the Sioux Falls area.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Notre Dame and a master’s degree in education from the University of Portland.

He will begin as social services secretary on Jan. 23.