Noem appoints new GOED Commissioner

PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) — Joe Fiala has been appointed by Gov. Kristi Noem as the new Commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED).

This is the third GOED commissioner since Steve Westra resigned in May of 2023. Fiala replaces Chris Schilken, who announced in February that he was stepping down for a deputy commissioner role. Schilken replaced Westra in June of 2023.

A news release from Noem’s office said Fiala joined the GOED in 2012 as a business development representative. Fiala has served in several areas including research, community development and partner relations.

GOED came under scrutiny by state lawmakers this past year over the selection process for why an Ohio-based marketing firm was picked to lead the workforce campaign that has resulted in ads where Gov. Kristi Noem is dressed up as a nurse, plumber and dental hygienist.

“I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues and economic developers across the state to help businesses grow and to positively impact the economy of South Dakota,” Fiala said in a news release. “I would like to thank Governor Noem for the opportunity to serve as the Commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development.”

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