Kohler to Lead South Dakota Human Resources Agency
Gov. Larry Rhoden has named Steven Kohler interim commissioner of the Bureau of Human Resources and Administration after Darin Seeley departs for a private-sector job.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in People
Gov. Larry Rhoden appointed Steven Kohler as interim commissioner of the South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources and Administration, effective Nov. 9, 2026. The appointment follows the departure of Darin Seeley, who left the position Nov. 6, 2026, to accept a private-sector job.
Why it matters
The change puts a leader with 14 years of state government experience in charge of the agency that serves state employees and residents. Seeley's exit after seven years of state service creates a leadership transition at the agency he had led since 2019.
Kohler brings 14 years of state government experience, while Seeley completed seven years of service and led the agency since 2019. The source does not specify how long the interim arrangement will last.
The players
Larry Rhoden
Larry Rhoden is the governor of South Dakota who made the interim appointment.
Steven Kohler
Steven Kohler is a longtime South Dakota state government official and former leader of the state's Project BISON financial systems modernization effort.
Darin Seeley
Darin Seeley is a former South Dakota official who was appointed by former Gov. Kristi Noem and led the agency from 2019 until his departure.
The details
Kohler currently serves as deputy commissioner of the Bureau of Finance and Management and previously led Project BISON, the state's effort to modernize its financial management systems. He holds degrees from South Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota and lives in Pierre with his family. He plans to build on the agency's existing work and look for ways to improve services for state employees and South Dakota residents.
Timeline
2019: Darin Seeley is appointed to lead the agency.
Nov. 6, 2026: Darin Seeley leaves the commissioner position.
Nov. 9, 2026: Steven Kohler's interim appointment takes effect.
Leadership Continuity
Kohler's background leading Project BISON, the state's financial systems modernization effort, carries directly into this role at the Bureau of Human Resources and Administration. The move positions a central figure of that modernization work to guide the agency's next phase.
State employees and residents who use the Bureau of Human Resources and Administration's services may see continuity as Kohler takes over, since he plans to build on existing work. The source does not describe any immediate changes to services or procedures.
The takeaway
Leadership transitions at state agencies often carry existing projects forward, and Kohler's record suggests continuity in how the agency approaches its work. Readers tracking state government can watch for a permanent appointment to follow the interim period.
Further reading
For more on state leadership changes, see the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kotatv.
