South Dakota Secretary of State

SD Secretary of State ► Office of the Secretary ► Media Center ► Deputy Secretary of State Selected as 2005 Toll Fellow

For Immediate Release Contact: Chad Heinrich

Monday, June 20, 2005 Phone: 605-773-3537

DEPUTY SECRETARY OF STATE CHAD HEINRICH

SELECTED AS 2005 TOLL FELLOW

PIERRE -- Secretary of State Chris Nelson announced today that Chad Heinrich, Deputy Secretary of State, is one of 40 emerging state leaders from across the nation selected for the prestigious Toll Fellowship Program sponsored by The Council of State Governments (CSG).

Chad Heinrich, South Dakota Deputy Secretary of State, is one of 40 emerging state leaders from across the nation selected for the prestigious Toll Fellowship Program sponsored by the CSG.

The annual week-long seminar, to be held September 24-29 in Lexington, KY, is aimed at developing the next generation of leaders from all three branches of state government. The seminar is named in honor of Henry Toll, a Colorado senator who founded CSG in 1933. This year's dynamic program focuses on trends analysis, policy development and institutional changes. The experience gives these leaders perspectives they would not ordinarily obtain during the course of their regular governmental service.

"In knowing Mr. Heinrich's ability, I am certain that he will use this opportunity to sharpen his leadership skills to better serve the people of South Dakota,” Nelson said.

Heinrich was nominated by Secretary of State Chris Nelson, with endorsements from State Representative Jean Hunhoff and Former State Representative Bill Peterson. Heinrich was selected from many outstanding applicants by a committee of state elected and appointed officials as one of the most promising leaders of state government. Past Toll Fellowship graduates include governors, US Senators and members of Congress as well as leaders in state government.

Heinrich was appointed as Deputy Secretary of State in January of 2003. In this position he serves as chief of staff and chief policy advisor to Secretary of State Chris Nelson. Heinrich has worked to implement reforms to the election process and technology enhancements to the filing processes within the Secretary of State's office. Legislative accomplishments include reforms in the areas of business and uniform commercial code filings. He holds a Master's degree in Public Administration from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. Heinrich is a fourth-generation South Dakotan and grew up south of Tripp one-quarter mile from his family's original homestead.

The CSG is the premier multi-branch organization forecasting policy trends for the community of states, commonwealths and territories on a national and regional basis. CSG alerts state elected and appointed officials to emerging social, economic, and political trends; offers innovative state policy responses to rapidly changing conditions; and advocates multi-state problem-solving to maximize resources and competitiveness. CSG promotes excellence in decision-making and leadership skills and champions state sovereignty.

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