Gov. Rounds appoints Deb Bowman to lead Department of Social Services

PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Rounds announced today the selection of Deborah Bowman, Pierre, to be part of his cabinet as Secretary of the Department of Social Services. 

“Deb has been a valuable member of my staff, and I am pleased to announce that she has agreed to lead the Department of Social Services,” said Gov. Rounds.  “She has a passion for people and helping the less fortunate; which has been very evident in her work and life.”

Bowman first joined state government in 1991 with the Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities.   She later served as a senior policy advisor to Gov. Janklow, and was the first Director of Homeland Security.  

Prior to her work in state government, Bowman was as Governmental Affairs Manager for US WEST in Sioux Falls; Executive Director of ECCO, Inc. in Madison; and a teacher in Luverne, Minnesota.

Bowman graduated from Dakota State University.  She and her husband, Randy, live in Pierre and have two grown daughters.

Bowman will begin her new duties on April 10, and replaces Jim Ellenbecker who has chosen to step down after 25 years as the department secretary.

“Jim has led this complex department through many changes,” said Gov. Rounds.  “But through it all, Jim never wavered in his commitment to taking care of South Dakotans.  His knowledge and experience will be missed”