Aug. 22, 2024

A director in the Governor’s Office of Economic Development has been promoted to commissioner.

Gov. Kristi Noem appointed Joe Fiala to the top role.

“Joe has been a great member of our economic development team for years. He has helped build the strongest jobs market in America, and we’ll keep that work going with him as our commissioner,” Noem said in a statement. “With Joe’s diligence, his positive outlook and his ability to build and maintain relationships, I am confident that we will continue to accomplish fantastic things!”

Fiala grew up in the southern Black Hills and has a background in ranching. After taking computer science courses at South Dakota State University, he worked in the software industry, including designing business software at Microsoft.

He began his economic development career in 2007 as the executive director of the local economic development office in Miller. In 2012, he joined GOED as a business development representative and has since served as a director in several areas, including research, community development, business development and partner relations.

“I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues and economic developers across the state to help businesses grow and to positively impact the economy of South Dakota,” Fiala said. “I would like to thank Gov. Noem for the opportunity to serve as the commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development.”

Fiala replaces Chris Schilken, who was appointed commissioner in June 2023 and decided to return to his role as deputy commissioner in February.