HARMS SELECTED AS PRESS SECRETARY BY SOUTH DAKOTA GOVERNOR RHODEN

By Crystal Reith Josie Harms firmly believes that God has led her down the path to her new role as the press secretary for the newly sworn-in South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden.

“I’ve always been interested in politics. God planted this seed in me from a young age,” said Harms, a 2021 MCC graduate. “By the time I was in high school, I saw President Donald Trump’s press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany, and was really impressed with her. I thought it would be an incredible job to have, but it’s not something you can major in.”

After graduating from high school, Harms decided to pursue a degree in finance with a minor in political science from Bethel University in St. Paul. During COVID, she began observing then South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and how she handled different decisions. Harms read Noem’s books and noticed that she was a strong leader. That led Harms to googling the governor’s office and cold calling to inquire about an internship.

“You never know unless you try,” said Harms, 21. “They said they would love to get me involved and set me up with an interview. I had no reason to get that position. I’m not even from South Dakota and historically, their interns are from South Dakota. God definitely opened up that door and paved the way for me.”

Harms enjoyed the initial internship so much that she worked a second summer under former Governor Noem. During those two summers as an intern, she worked on speeches and communicatory pieces. While there, she also built a relationship with then Lieutenant Governor Rhoden.

Upon graduation with her undergrad, Harms decided to continue her education at Bethel to pursue a master’s degree in business administration with an emphasis on economics and design of policy. In addition to her studies, she was able to balance her time with running cross country and track and working at a wealth management firm.

Understanding the importance of involvement stems from her parents, MCC teachers, Isaac and Kirsten Harms, who gave Harms and her younger sister, Symone, the freedom to decide which extracurricular activities they participated in. From that encouragement, she became involved in a multitude of extracurricular activities and learned how to manage her time as a youth because she knows the power of opportunities.

“My parents encouraged me to say yes to important things. They encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and all my teachers, who continued to push me, made me who I am today. I’m grateful for all the support,” said Harms. “If I had room in my schedule, I did it because you never know if you don’t try. I found I really do enjoy public speaking and writing.”

By saying yes to opportunities, Harms has found herself back in South Dakota in this new role.

“Governor Rhoden reached out to me about the opportunity and God opened the doors,” said Harms. “When I got the call, it was a no brainer. I felt the complete peace of God. I thank Governor Rhoden for trusting me with this responsibility. I am overjoyed to serve the people of South Dakota.”

As press secretary for the governor, Harms looks forward to utilizing her passion of writing and speaking to help convey honesty and openness. She will essentially be the spokesperson for the governor and contact for the media. She will also work with the communications team to develop communicatory materials, write remarks and go to various events.

“I am excited to work alongside quality people. The team is phenomenal,” said Harms. “Governor Rhoden and former Governor Noem truly care about the people of South Dakota. When you think about politics it’s easy to think people are out to make their own career or gain power, but it’s not true about either administrations. They have a servant heart and a servant mentality.”

Although Harms loves the people and the work, she expects to encounter challenging work, and she knows God will guide her.

“I moved to South Dakota all by myself with no housing and I didn’t know anyone. I had a lot of fear but felt it in my heart that God was calling me. If I hadn’t said yes, there’s no reason I’d be here today. Fear holds people back,” said Harms. “When you have purpose, it makes it exciting to go to work. If God plants something in you, you make it happen and bring it to fruition. It took all of Slayton and Bethel to create me to who I am. There’s something about small towns that is so special. I wouldn’t have wanted to grow up anywhere else.”

While the White House press secretary role will always be her dream job, Harms is grateful for where God has placed her right now.

“If God continues to open that path someday, that’s up to Him to open the doors and I will continue to say yes,” said Harms. “Right now, I’m grateful where God has placed me and I’m just absolutely loving my job. The third time’s a charm. I’m back to stay.”