PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission selected new leadership at their regular meeting on Nov. 6, 2025, in Pierre, South Dakota. Commissioner Chris Nelson was elected to lead as chairman by his fellow commissioners while Commissioner Kristie Fiegen moved into the position of vice chairperson. Both were nominated to the leadership positions by Commissioner Gary Hanson, who held the chairman title since January 2025.
“I appreciate the willingness of my fellow commissioners to step into new leadership roles at this time. The chairman position comes with certain requirements including a greater demand for your time and availability. While I expect to continue to fulfill my duties as a public utilities commissioner, it has become apparent that I will not be able to fulfill the role of chairman in the manner I would like. Passing the gavel seems like the reasonable next step. I know Commissioners Nelson and Fiegen are prepared to take on and fulfill their new leadership roles and that will allow me to focus more on this new obstacle,” stated Commissioner Gary Hanson.
Hanson recently shared that he has begun cancer treatments in his hometown of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Hanson was first elected to the commission in 2002. He was elected chairman of the PUC in January 2025 and previous served as PUC chairman in 2005, 2008, 2013, 2014, 2019, 2020 and since January 2025.
Nelson and Fiegen both directed remarks to Commissioner Hanson, who they have served alongside of since 2011.
“To Commissioner Hanson: I appreciate the faith and trust you have extended me to move into the position of chairman. We three commissioners have been together for 14 years and in those years, we have worked together as a team to serve the people of South Dakota. We know that Commissioner Hanson has some challenges ahead and while he works on getting healthy, Commissioner Fiegen and I are more than happy to step into these leadership roles and ensure everything at the commission moves forward just as smoothly as it always has,” declared PUC Chairman Chris Nelson.
Nelson was first appointed to the commission to fill a vacancy in January 2011 by Gov. Dennis Daugaard. He was elected in November 2012 to complete the remaining four years of that term and re-elected in 2016 and 2022. Nelson led the commission as chairman in 2012, 2015, 2016, 2021 and 2022 and is active in a number of national and regional organizations, including the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) and the Organization of MISO States. Prior to joining the PUC, he served eight years as the South Dakota Secretary of State.
“Commissioner Hanson has done an incredible job. We are so proud of him and are sending prayers for effective treatment and smooth recovery to him and his family,” said PUC Vice Chairperson Kristie Fiegen. “I have been so blessed to be a part of this team and I know that even through this challenging time, we will continue to fulfill our roles with the same care and commitment that we consistently have,” she continued.
Fiegen began her time at the commission when appointed to fill a vacancy by Gov. Dennis Daugaard in August 2011. She was elected to her first full term in November 2012 and re-elected by South Dakota voters in 2018 and 2024. Fiegen holds leadership positions in Southwest Power Pool, a regional transmission organization, the Gas Technology Institute’s Public Interest Advisory Committee and the NARUC Committee on Gas. Her public service career includes four terms in the South Dakota House of Representatives.
For more information about the Public Utilities Commission, visit the agency’s website at puc.sd.gov