Gov. Noem Appoints Melissa Magstadt as Secretary of Health

Pat Powers

Gov. Noem Appoints Melissa Magstadt as Secretary of Health

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Gov. Kristi Noem appointed Melissa Magstadt as Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Health. Melissa’s appointment will be effective on the next state work day, which will be Tuesday, December 27.

“Melissa has proven her ability to provide innovative and cost-effective healthcare to the people of South Dakota,” said Governor Kristi Noem. “She will bring a fresh perspective to the department. We’ve set an example for the nation over the past several years by trusting our people to exercise personal responsibility over their healthcare decisions. Melissa will advance that vision for the people of South Dakota.”

Melissa is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (ARPN). She is a co-owner of Quick Care SD, an organization that provides quick and affordable healthcare access across Eastern South Dakota. She also owns an integrated medicine practice called SG Essentials in both Watertown and Pierre. Melissa served in the South Dakota House of Representatives from 2011 to 2014 and was a member of the House Committee on Health and Human Services. She has been involved in South Dakota healthcare for more than 30 years.

“South Dakota should be on the forefront of supporting proactive quality of care for our people,” said Melissa Magstadt, South Dakota Secretary of Health. “Our state has unique health challenges, which vary from our rural communities to our big cities. We can tackle these challenges by focusing on an innovative, forward-looking approach to public health, rather than simply reacting to difficulties.”

Melissa has a Master’s in Science from South Dakota State University with a focus as a family nurse practitioner. She also has a Master’s in Business Administration from Mount Marty University. She is a graduate of the Great Plains Public Health Leadership Institute at the University of Nebraska. And she is a fellow at the University of Arizona’s Center for Integrated Medicine.

Melissa and her family live in the Castlewood and Watertown area. She was born and raised in South Dakota.

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11 thoughts on “Gov. Noem Appoints Melissa Magstadt as Secretary of Health”

  2. Apparently she’s a pretty sharp lady with all those degrees behind her. Congratulations on earning those degrees which is a result of a lot of hard work.
    Just to let you know that since you are appointed, and not elected, you do not have the authority to issue ‘close down or mask up’ mandates to the people and businesses of South Dakota. This was attempted (HB1297) on March 30, 2020 by the then Secretary of Health and Human Services at the request of the governor. With thanks to 50 House legislators who know the Constitution, that was soundly defeated. Even the presenter in the House knew better and voted NAY on the bill he presented on behalf of the governor.

      1. Name calling…good one!
        So please let us all know what is incorrect in the above statement.
        Thank you.

        1. What is wrong is your assumption that past performance by a totally different person will cause Ms Magstadt to do the same thing.

          You displayed a boorish attitude by not simply saying congratulations and letting her performance speak for itself.

        2. Also, South Dakota doesn’t have a Secretary of Health and Human Services because those are separate departments. You are implying that the person Melissa is replacing is Kim Malsom-Rysdon not Joan Adam. You’d be hard-pressed to find any political footage of Joan Adam.

          Basically, you pulled the trigger and then aimed, and you missed your target.

    2. You are absolutely right and the clown that said to “ignore the clown” wants to confuse people. Good try.

    1. Sour grapes much?

      House and Senate Leadership were elected by their respective bodies soooooooooooooo it looks like there is not a conspiracy.

      And Ms. Magstadt does not live in Watertown.

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