Noem's spokesman staying at South Dakota Capitol, longtime advisor leaves

Gov. Larry Rhoden announced staffing moves in governor's office

PIERRE — A longtime advisor to former Gov. Kristi Noem is leaving state government as her former boss leaves the office for Washington, D.C., while others will work for the Homeland Security secretary’s successor at the state Capitol.

Gov. Larry Rhoden announced staff changes Monday, two days after he became the state’s 34th governor when Noem resigned Saturday after being confirmed to President Donald Trump’s cabinet.

Chief among notable Noem staffers transitioning into Rhoden’s administration is her longtime spokesman Ian Fury, who will continue to serve as communications director in the governor’s office as well as Rhoden’s “unborn child advocate” position. However, Fury will not be Rhoden’s spokesman. Instead, a press secretary position is being created to be the governor’s point of contact for news media, reporters, and journalists. Who will be hired to perform that job hasn’t been announced.

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