Sanford lobbyist leaving health system for Sioux Falls chamber

Mitch Rave will continue to spend legislative sessions in Pierre

Sanford Health is losing a familiar face in the South Dakota Capitol who’s represented the medical system’s interests in the Legislature in recent years.

The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce announced Thursday that Mitch Rave has been hired as the organization’s vice president of public policy.

Rave, 27, is Sanford Health’s Senior Legislative Affairs Specialist, lobbying for the Sioux Falls-based health system since 2019.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mitch to the Chamber team,” Sioux Falls chamber president and CEO Jeff Griffin said in a statement provided to The Dakota Scout. “He brings the energy, expertise and established government relationships necessary for the Chamber to remain a strong voice for business-friendly policies.”

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In his new role, which he officially starts on June 26, Rave will will lead the chamber’s advocacy efforts at the local, state and federal levels, representing the interests of the business community as public policy is formed, according to the chamber.

Rave told The Dakota Scout he enjoyed his time with Sanford but is excited “to continue the tremendous advoacy work the chamber has done at all levels of government to promote economic development and pro-business policies.”

“One of the key reasons I was so interested in this role was the ability to continue to advocate in Pierre,” he said.

The son of former South Dakota House Speaker Tim Rave, he holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of South Dakota.