Gov. Kristi Noem is appointing a woman with experience in both the health care industry and legislature as the next Secretary of Health.
Melissa Magstadt is a registered nurse. She is co-owner of Quick Care SD and also owns an integrated medicine practice with locations in Watertown and Pierre, according to a press release from Noem's office.
Magstadt served in the South Dakota House from 2011 to 2014, representing the Watertown area.
Her appointment went into effect Tuesday.
“South Dakota should be on the forefront of supporting proactive quality of care for our people,” Magstadt said. “Our state has unique health challenges, which vary from our rural communities to our big cities. We can tackle these challenges by focusing on an innovative, forward-looking approach to public health, rather than simply reacting to difficulties.”
Magstadt replaces Joan Adam, who retired last week after serving as health secretary for less than a year.