The Most Reverend Peter M. Muhich, Bishop of Rapid City, and the Most Reverend Donald E. DeGrood, Bishop of Sioux Falls are pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Pauley as the executive director of the South Dakota Catholic Conference. Formed in 2017, the Conference serves as the official voice of the bishops of South Dakota on issues of public policy and provides educational resources that help accomplish the bishops’ teaching mission.
Mr. Pauley previously worked as a consultant specializing in government affairs and public communication. His clients have included several non-profit organizations that advocate for public policies to defend vulnerable human life, safeguard religious liberty, and protect marriage and family life. Mr. Pauley has served as a policy aide for government officials at both the federal and state level. He is a graduate of Georgetown University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in foreign service.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to represent the Catholic bishops of South Dakota on vital issues in the public square,” said Pauley. “The Catholic Church has a deep and rich body of social doctrine that is highly relevant for so many policy questions before lawmakers today, especially matters concerning the dignity of the human person and the promotion of the common good. I’m excited to help bring these truths from our Catholic tradition to the public policy debates now unfolding in South Dakota.”
Mr. Pauley and his family live in Rapid City, where they are active in many parish and diocesan activities, including choir, a Catholic theater group, and several youth education programs.
