Pierre, SD -(AmmoLand.com)- The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) announced today that Katie Ceroll will serve as division director of parks and recreation beginning April 4.
Doug Hofer, current division director of parks and recreation, will retire April 1 after 44 years of public service.
“I am pleased to have Katie serve as the new director of our state parks system,” stated Kelly Hepler, GFP department secretary. “Katie is well-respected throughout the parks and recreation industry and is dedicated to serving the residents and visitors of our state. Her diversity of thought brings a fresh outlook on the future of our department and state parks.”
A native of rural Beresford, S.D., Ceroll has served as a regional parks supervisor for the northeast-area state parks and recreation areas since 2014. In 2007, she graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee, Wis., with a history major and political science minor.
After graduation, Ceroll traveled back to her home state, accepting a naturalist position at Fort Sisseton State Park. Then, in 2010, transitioned into a management role and in 2012, became the district supervisor for Fort Sisseton, Roy Lake and Sica Hollow state parks.
“I am honored and humbled to lead the Division of Parks and Recreation for the state of South Dakota,” stated Ceroll. “This is an opportunity unlike any other. I look forward to bringing new ideas to the table and addressing the challenges we face in a way that aligns with our park management plans and our strategic vision to where we want to be in the years ahead.”
About The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (SDGFP):
The purpose of the Department of Game, Fish and Parks is to perpetuate, conserve, manage, protect, and enhance South Dakota’s wildlife resources, parks, and outdoor recreational opportunities for the use, benefit, and enjoyment of the people of this state and its visitors, and to give the highest priority to the welfare of this state’s wildlife and parks, and their environment, in planning and decisions.
For more information, visit: gfp.sd.gov.