Debra Owen will replace Mark Lee as the new public policy director for the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.

Lee is leaving to become market president of Reliabank Dakota.

Owen will provide leadership in the area of public policy and advocacy on the local, state and federal levels. Her background includes more than 27 years in business and government leadership positions, including public policy, advocacy, strategy, planning and implementation.

“We are so pleased to welcome Debra to the chamber team,” said chamber president and CEO Jason Ball. “Her knowledge, experiences and deep policy expertise will make her an important part of the chamber and its value to our members. With her leadership, the chamber will continue to be a strong voice for business.”

Owen most recently was vice president of state and federal relations for the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations. She also served as senior staff attorney and lead agency lobbyist for the state’s Bureau of Human Resources. Owen was the chief of City Council operations and the city clerk for the city of Sioux Falls.

She will assume her new role before the end of the year.