.png "Lorraine Polak and Roger Chase Appointed to Lead USDA South Dakota")
Bonnie Johnson
May 29, 2025
Media ArticleU.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has announced new USDA leadership appointments for South Dakota, naming Lorraine Polak and Roger Chase to lead major agencies supporting rural communities and agriculture.
“President Trump is putting Farmers First, and so is the incredible team we are building at the Department of Agriculture,” said Secretary Rollins.
Lorraine Polak has been appointed State Director for Rural Development in South Dakota. With over 30 years in public service focused on housing and economic development, Polak most recently worked as a Housing Policy Specialist for U.S. Senator Mike Rounds. Raised on a dairy farm in Nebraska, she brings firsthand agricultural experience and a strong commitment to rural progress.
Roger Chase will serve as State Director for the Farm Service Agency in South Dakota. With a rich background in both business and agriculture, Chase is a partner in a family of grain and cattle operations. He also served as a State Representative in South Dakota from 2017 to 2024 and chaired the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.
FSA State Directors play a key role in executing USDA policies and administering programs to support farmers across the country. RD State Directors help drive economic prosperity and ensure rural development efforts align with national strategies.
These appointments reflect the USDA’s mission to empower rural communities and ensure support for American farmers. With Polak and Chase in leadership positions, South Dakota agriculture and rural development are expected to see strong representation and guidance.
Their combined experience promises to support the state’s agricultural resilience and the continued development of local infrastructure and farming success stories.
Photo by: usda
