Katherine Kinsman

Kitty Kinsman

Leader. Policy Maker. Delegate. All these apply to Kitty Kinsman. But perhaps the most fitting is advocate. Kitty Kinsman is a passionate advocate who uses her voice to positively influence the health and quality of life in South Dakota. She believes everyone has a responsibility to volunteer to make our state and communities better places.

Growing up in Watertown SD, Kitty learned about community service at home, from her father and mother who were both active in community organizations. Her own advocacy journey began in high school as part of the debate team. Kitty later became the first Chair and volunteer lobbyist for the SD Tourism Caucus, a new statewide tourism advocacy group that formed to advance tourism legislation, including making Memorial Day a Monday holiday. The legislation passed and she met her future husband, Steve Zellmer, in the process.

Governor Janklow appointed her Secretary of Health in 1985, making her one of the country’s youngest health officers. She was reappointed by Governor George S. Mickelson. While at the Department of Health, she and her team advanced several policy initiatives including making all state facilities smokefree and creating the Office of Rural Health.  Kitty is president of The K Group that provides public affairs and lobbying services to organizations.  One of her proudest advocacy accomplishments was organizing the SD Tobacco-Free Kids Network, whose decade-long effort led to passage of South Dakota’s smokefree laws. Kitty has served on many boards, and was a Her Vote. Her Voice. Centennial delegate, a group that led the South Dakota celebration of the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment.