© 2025 SDPB
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
ALERT: KJSD-FM 90.3 in Watertown will be off the air from 8:00AM to 8:00PM on 9/26/2025 due to emergency maintenance.

Listeners can tune in to SDPB radio right here on SDPB.org or on the SDPB app anywhere, anytime.

Rounds names new chief of staff

Dezmond Ward
Courtesy photo
Dezmond Ward

Sen. Mike Rounds is naming a Milbank native as his next chief of staff.

Longtime staffer Dezmond Ward is taking the reins at Rounds’ office.

 The 28 year old first took a job as an intern in 2018 and has moved up the ranks ever since, most recently as communications director.

“Dezmond has been a trusted member of my team for almost six years,” Rounds said in a statement. “No matter the role, Dezmond has proven to have a strong work ethic and knowledge of issues both in South Dakota and in D.C. I am excited to have him lead my team and see his impact in this new role.”

He replaces former chief of staff Kyle Chase who left to take a job in the private sector.