South Dakota Health Department secretary stepping down (Audio)

December 13, 2021

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has announced the resignation of her Secretary of Health, who helped steer the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Kim Malsam-Rysdon played a right-hand role as Noem went without most restrictions during the pandemic.

Malsam-Rysdon oversaw the state’s testing and vaccination efforts, as well as its public health communications.

Governor Noem says she’s happy for the opportunity Malsam-Rysdon is pursuing in the private sector, but will miss the “steady hand” she brought to the Health Department….

Malsam-Rysdon’s last day with the Health Department is January 7th.