Rich Sattgast

Richard L. Sattgast is an American politician who serves as the state auditor of South Dakota for the second time having served two terms previously (2003–2011). He formerly served as state treasurer (2011–2019).

Rich Sattgast
26th and 28th Auditor of South Dakota
Incumbent
Assumed office January 5, 2019
Governor	Kristi Noem Larry Rhoden
Preceded by	Steve Barnett
In office January 7, 2003 – January 8, 2011
Governor	Mike Rounds
Preceded by	Vern Larson
Succeeded by	Steve Barnett
29th Treasurer of South Dakota
In office January 8, 2011 – January 5, 2019
Governor	Dennis Daugaard
Preceded by	Vern Larson
Succeeded by	Josh Haeder
Personal details
Born	Silver City, New Mexico, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Education	Black Hills State University (BA) New Mexico Highlands University (MA)
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Army
Unit	South Dakota National Guard

Early life and education

Sattgast was born in Silver City, New Mexico. His parents moved back to South Dakota in 1966 where his father taught at Dakota State College, then transferred to Black Hills State. Rich graduated from Spearfish High School. He received a bachelor's degree from Black Hills State University and a master's degree from New Mexico Highlands University. Sattgast also served in the United States Army. Sattgast served on active duty in Berlin from 1983-1985, Ft. Hood from 1985-1986, Desert Storm from 1991-1992, and in the South Dakota National Guard until 2001.^[1]

Career

Sattgast was elected state auditor in 2002, defeating Democrat Dick Butler with 52% of the vote.^[2] He was reelected unopposed in 2006.^[3] In 2010, Sattgast ran for state treasurer and won, defeating Democrat Tom Katus with 65% of the vote.^[4] He was reelected as treasurer in 2014, defeating Democrat Denny Pierson and Libertarian Ken Santema with 61% of the vote.^[5]

Personal life

Sattgast and his wife, Penny, have three children.^[6]