learn about laurie

Laurie and her husband Bob moved to Pierre in 1991 with their four children. While Laurie served the state in leadership roles, Bob taught Computer Sciences at Riggs High School. Along with her elected and state government roles, the Gills have been active in United Way, Pierre Kiwanis, and First United Methodist Church in-between enjoying their seven grandchildren.

First elected Mayor in 2008, Laurie served three terms after being re-elected in both 2011 and 2014. Prior to being elected Mayor, she served as a Pierre City Commissioner for nine years. Under her leadership, the community successfully recovered from the historic 2011 Missouri River flood, expanded the city’s walking and bike trails, launched Go Green and Clean, an ongoing civic pride campaign, constructed a new airport terminal, and enjoyed significant growth in the community’s northeast corridor.

As a part-time Mayor, Laurie also had full-time state government jobs serving as a Cabinet Member for two Governors. Laurie has served as the Secretary of the Department of Human Services, the Commissioner of the Bureau of Human Resources, and the Secretary of the Department of Social Services. Prior to that, she held numerous other leadership positions within state government, a non-profit agency and as a clinic administrator in the private sector.

Laurie has served on several community group boards including the Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce, Capital University Center, South Dakota Municipal League, the South Dakota Retirement System Board, the United Way, and the Capitol Complex Restoration and Beautification Commission.

A proud graduate of SDSU, Laurie earned a Commercial Economics degree. She currently advises clients as a management consultant for Maxwell Strategies in Pierre.