State Auditor Rich Sattgast
Rich graduated from Spearfish High School and later earned his B.S. in Political Science, with a minor in Business Administration at Black Hills State University, where his father was a long time instructor, and his mother was the High School secretary. After High School, Sattgast joined the U.S Army, where he has spent over 20 years in the military, including being stationed as part of the Occupation Force in Berlin in the 1980’s, Desert Storm in the 1990’s, and the South Dakota National Guard in the new Millennium.
After Desert Storm, Rich moved out-of state to work on his M.P.A in the field of Public Affairs, Political and Governmental Processes at New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, New Mexico. While there, Rich served as the Peace Corps Campus Coordinator for Minority Relations. Upon completing his coursework with a GPA of 4.0, Rich was inducted into The Honor Society of Phi Kapa Phi, and was accepted to receive a position with the Presidential Management Internship program. However, at the age of thirty, Rich decided he valued his family and the South Dakota way of life more than a PMI position in D.C. or New York and returned home to a position with the Secretary of State.
Rich’s interest in politics grew from his family’s involvement in the community and a sense of commitment to this country. Aside from acting as the Association of County Officials’ Lobbyist, Sattgast’s political experience includes serving in the Legislature as a Legislative Intern and later as a Lobbyist Intern. In 1992 he assisted with President George Bush’s Election Campaign as West River Coordinator for the campaign after returning home from Desert Storm where he served as a military liaison to the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait for the Commander of the U.S. Armed Forces in Kuwait. In addition to his military and political involvement, Rich has also taken an active role in civic and community activities by being a member of the VFW, the American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans and serves as Treasurer of the Pierre Athletic Booster Club.
First elected to statewide office as State Auditor in 2002 and in 2006, and then elected to State Treasurer in 2010 and 2014, Rich is now proud to once again serve the people of South Dakota as their State Auditor.
Rich and his wife Penny have worked together to make Pierre their home. Penny is the past fundraising chair for the Siouxland Republican Women and current Co-chair of CENKOTA Republican Women. After moving to Pierre, Penny quit her biosciences job with ELANCO and started her own biotech consulting company and serves on the board of the South Dakota Biotech Association.
With three children very active in athletics and academics, Rich and Penny are leaders in the Pierre Booster Club with Rich serving as Club Treasurer and Penny heading up Membership.
Josh is an 8th grader and is active in Teenage Republicans, where he won the Abnor Award in 2017 for being the outstanding new camper. Josh is also active in Football and Wrestling and one day wants to be an Engineer.
Claire is in the 11th Grade and won the Abnor Award in 2012 and now serves as the Secretary for the Teenage Republicans. Claire is active in Basketball and loves History and aspires to be in public service.
Chase is in the 11th Grade and is a Varsity Letterman in Football and Basketball and is aspiring to be a scientist in the Biotech industry.
