Longtime GOED employee to take reins as new commissioner
Joe Fiala has worked for Governor's Office of Economic Development since 2012
The state of South Dakota’s economic engine is getting a new driver.
Gov. Kristi Noem announced Wednesday that she appointed Joe Fiala as the new commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), filling a vacancy created at the height of the legislative session in February.
“Joe has been a great member of our economic development team for years. He has helped build the strongest jobs market in America, and we’ll keep that work going with him as our commissioner,” Noem said in a press release. “With Joe’s diligence, his positive outlook, and his ability to build and maintain relationships, I am confident that we will continue to accomplish fantastic things.”
NEWS: Harrisburg not taking the money on state prison sewer proposal
Fiala, who was raised with a ranching background in the southern Black Hills, studied computer science at South Dakota State University before working in the software industry, including a stint designing business software at Microsoft.
He transitioned to economic development in 2007, serving as the executive director of the local economic development office in Miller. Fiala joined GOED in 2012 as a business development representative and has since held various directorial roles, including in research, community development, business development, and partner relations. According to his LinkedIn, he has served on a variety of advisory boards for business advocacy groups in South Dakota, including; South Dakota Trade, South Dakota Manufacturing & Technology Solutions, South Dakota Small Business Development Center, and Heartland Economic Development Course.
During his tenure, Noem’s office says that Fiala has been involved in numerous projects that have generated billions of dollars in capital investment and created or retained thousands of jobs in South Dakota.
“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. “I would like to thank Gov. Noem for the opportunity to serve as the commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development.”
Fiala resides in Miller with his wife, Andrea, and their two daughters.
The top position within GOED has been open since February when former interim head Chris Schilken withdrew his “appointment papers.” Senators in the Republican dominated chamber had rallied to thwart Schilken’s nomination to the position due to a number of factors, including a series of lackluster performances in front of legislative panels. Schilken continues to serve as a deputy commissioner within the department.
NEWS: Supreme Court won't involve itself in Minnehaha County's absentee ballot squabble
Don't care. I am just so sick of republicans almost everywhere! Go ahead and bad mouth me...that's what you seem best at doing, led of course, by your pathetic cult leader.