Two South Dakota cabinet officials are exiting the state to join the U.S. Department of Homeland Security under Secretary Kristi Noem.
Tribal Affairs Secretary David Flute and Bureau of Information and Telecommunications commissioner Madhu Gottumukkala are assuming roles in the federal government. Both began serving in their positions when Noem was governor.
“South Dakota is home to so many exceptional individuals. It has been my honor to serve alongside Secretary Flute and Commissioner Gottumukkala. They have played a key role in keeping South Dakota strong, safe, and free, and they will certainly be missed,” Gov. Larry Rhoden said in a statement released Thursday. “Secretary Noem is making important strides to protect our nation, and I am confident that these two gentlemen will add tremendous value to her efforts.”
According to governor's office, Flute will serve as the Senior Tribal Advisor on Indian Affairs for DHS.
Rhoden is appointing former Pine Ridge Police Chief Algin Young to replace Flute.
“I am passionate about continuing to build relationships between the State of South Dakota and our tribal communities,” Young said. “As Gov. Rhoden so often says, we must focus on turning challenges into opportunities. I thank him for this opportunity to help make our nine Native American reservations strong, safe, and free.”
Gottumukkala, who was appointed commissioner of the Bureau of Information and Technology in September of 2024, will serve as the deputy director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. He remains commissioner until May 16.
“Serving the people of South Dakota as State Chief Information Officer and Commissioner of BIT has been one of the greatest honors of my career. I’m deeply grateful to Governor Rhoden for his leadership and trust. As I step into this new role at the Department of Homeland Security, I carry with me the values of innovation, resilience, and service that define our state,” said Gottumukkala said. “I look forward to continuing to protect and strengthen the nation’s digital and physical infrastructure at a time when it matters most.”
The South Dakota Bureau of Information and Telecommunications oversees SDPB.
