Gov. Krisi Noem has appointed a former state lawmaker who owns health care businesses as the next secretary of the Department of Health.

Melissa Magstadt’s appointment will be effective Dec. 27, and it comes only three days after former Health Secretary Joan Adam announced her retirement.

“Melissa has proven her ability to provide innovative and cost-effective healthcare to the people of South Dakota,” Noem said in a release announcing the appointment. “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.”

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