In 2012, Zolnowsky was appointed by South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard. “I thank Dave Zolnowsky for his long career in state government,” Daugaard said in a press release. “Dave has been an excellent leader within state government, and an advocate for cybersecurity and greater efficiency in IT services.”
Before taking his job as state CIO, Zolnowsky served as the CIO at Dakota State University for nearly three decades. Prior to that, he worked for the state's Department of Transportation, Unified Judicial System, Department of Health and Information Processing Services Center.
“As Commissioner, he has brought a quiet, reserved leadership style. He earned the respect of staff and managers alike by listening more than speaking,” said Jim Edman, chief security officer and deputy commissioner, in a blog post. “His sense of humor and ability to relate to the variety of personalities across BIT has set a great example.”
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my various roles in state government,” Commissioner Zolnowsky said in a press release. “I’ve been blessed to have been supported by staff who are creative, knowledgeable, service oriented, innovative and committed to cost effective public service.”
According to a Bureau website, he holds and an undergraduate degree from the University of South Dakota in zoology and mathematics and received a master’s of science degree in mathematics from the University of Wyoming. Zolonowsky was born and raised on a small farm in rural South Dakota and owns a small ranch in rural Jones County.
Gov. Daugaard appointed Pat Snow, BIT’s chief technology officer and director of telecommunications, to serve as interim commissioner through the end of this year.
