U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds has hired Lorraine Polak, the former executive director of the South Dakota Housing Development Authority, to join his congressional office.
Polak was appointed as the executive director of the SD Housing Development Authority by Gov. Kristi Noem in January 2021. Polak held that position for more than two years before resigning in March of this year. Before leading the organization, she served in other positions for nearly 25 years, first as a housing development officer and then the director of rental housing development.
Polak said she is excited to work with Rounds on issues related to her housing expertise.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the state of South Dakota,” Polak said. “Sen. Rounds has been a leader on housing issues, and I am looking forward to working with him in my new capacity.”
According to Rounds, Polak is an expert in her field.
“Lorraine Polak is well respected in South Dakota,” Rounds said. “Having spent the past 25 years with South Dakota’s Housing Development Authority, it would be difficult to find someone more knowledgeable or having a better grasp of both public and private housing issues facing our state and nation.”
Rounds also said that Polak’s previous experience will be beneficial for his committee appointments.
“[Polak’s] excellent expertise will play a valuable role with my work on the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, which has jurisdictional responsibilities for public housing programs,” Rounds said.
When Polak left her previous position earlier this year, Noem declined to comment on the resignation.