Noem appoints Watertown man to lead Governor's Office of Economic Development

Schilken promoted from within the office

Gov. Kristi Noem appointed Chris Schilken of Watertown on Thursday to serve as her commissioner for the Governor’s Office of Economic Development.

Schilken replaces Steve Westra, a former Sioux Falls lawmaker, who had accepted the post shortly after Noem won her first term. Westra’s departure was announced in April.

For Schilken, it’s a promotion: He had been serving as GOED’s deputy commissioner and director of business development. The commissioner serves on the governor’s cabinet.

Big changes coming for Outdoor Campus