(GOP Activists should recall Kyle Holt, who served as an office manager for the South Dakota GOP in 2010, joined Steve Barnett’s Staff, and subsequently went to work for Congresswoman Kristi Noem. As you’ll note in the release below, Kyle is going back to work for his old boss at the GOP, Lucas Lentsch, except this time with a nicer office, and fewer envelopes to stuff! Congrats to Kyle! -PP)
Holt Named Deputy Secretary of Agriculture
PIERRE, S.D. – Secretary of Agriculture Lucas Lentsch has named Kyle Holt as the deputy secretary for the South Dakota Department of Agriculture.
Holt has worked in various aspects of government at the state and federal levels. He most recently worked in Congresswoman Kristi Noem’s Rapid City office.
“Kyle has a working knowledge of our state’s diverse agricultural industry,” says Secretary Lentsch. “His knowledge of production agriculture, along with the state and federal government processes, makes him a tremendous asset to the department.”
Holt grew up on his family farm near Cresbard. He received a bachelor’s degree in political science from South Dakota State University.
“Agriculture impacts everything in South Dakota, and it’s such a big part of what makes this state so great,” said Holt. “I’m excited to be part of a department that’s dedicated to helping that success continue.”
Kyle and his wife Jessica have one son.
Agriculture is South Dakota’s No. 1 industry, generating $25.6 billion in annual economic activity and employing over 115,000 South Dakotans. The South Dakota Department of Agriculture’s mission is to promote, protect, preserve and improve this industry for today and tomorrow. Visit us online at http://sdda.sd.gov or find us on Facebook and Twitter.
-30-
Pat,
Kyle is a nice guy. Based on your most recent post about Lentsch eyeing congress if Noem runs for gov and your headline about former GOP staffer Holt and Kristi staffer I’m starting to think there is more to the story than I originally thought. Kyle will be a trusted go to guy for Lentsch.
As always the SDWC is ahead of the curve.
Great head shot! He makes me want to buy a used car.
About 30 years ago I had someone put their faith in me with a leadership position and it changed my life. I wasn’t the most qualified for the position but my supervisor trusted me. I made the most of it and never looked back.
I’ve heard a lot of talk about this Lentsch for congress thing going around. I don’t really know Lentsch and have never met Holt but I’m sure he’s an impressive young guy for Lentsch to put him in charge.
Lentsch is giving Holt an opportunity much like I was given.
Lentsch is the Secretary and he chose Holt as his #2 because he has absolute faith in Holt to be Deputy Ag Secretary, trusts him to have his back and maybe help him if he runs for elected office someday down the road. Having a close relationship like they do from years ago matters.
Daugaard trusts Lentsch, Lentsch trusts Holt. Elected and appointed officials put people in charge who they value and trust so they don’t have to look over their shoulder all the time. Lentsch trusts him and he put that on display big time. Holt’s his guy for the future and he’s willing to say it.
I’m happy for Holt and Lentsch. They believe in each other and because of that trust they will have a greater chance at success no matter what they do.