SDSMA CEO Barb Smith Announces Upcoming Retirement

On behalf of the SDSMA Board of Directors, I announce the retirement of our chief executive officer, Barbara Smith, which will be effective November 1, 2025. This marks the culmination of a remarkable 25-year career with the SDSMA.

Barb began work at the SDSMA in 2000 as vice president, a position where she managed the association’s policy and advocacy efforts. In that position Barb forged strong relationships with legislators, policymakers and key stakeholders at both the state and federal levels, solidifying the SDSMA’s position as a powerful voice for physicians.

Barb became CEO in January 2007. Under her leadership, the SDSMA was instrumental on important initiatives in South Dakota including the passage of the state’s indoor smoking ban, Medicaid expansion, and the successful defeat of numerous legislative attempts that sought to inappropriately expand scope of practice in South Dakota.

At the federal level, Barb has been a decades-long strong voice for Medicare physician payment reform, which led to the SDSMA’s work toward the successful repeal of Medicare’s flawed sustainable growth rate in 2015. She has continued to work with the American Medical Association to drive meaningful payment reform, advocating to stop harmful cuts and provide physicians an update that takes into account the cost of delivering care to patients. Such changes are needed to protect patients’ access to care in a health system already facing widespread physician shortages.

The 2015 sale of Dakotacare, the insurance company founded by SDSMA physicians in 1985, and subsequent separation of Dakotacare from the association, brought a major shift and challenges for the SDSMA. Barb’s leadership and dedication during this critical period was invaluable and decisive action in carrying out the Board’s directives during this time, including the complete repayment of the SDSMA’s building loan, provided stability and continuity amidst the transition period.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Barb’s leadership helped ensure the association remained a trusted source of information and support for both physicians and patients, helping them navigate that unprecedented time.

Prior to her work at the SDSMA, Barb was Vice President of Dakotacare from 1995-2000. Before joining Dakotacare, Barb served as South Dakota Secretary of Health, where she led efforts to improve the availability and affordability of health care in South Dakota. Prior to serving as Secretary, she was Senior Policy Advisor to South Dakota Governor George S. Mickelson.

Barb has always brought a patients-first perspective that has informed and enhanced what the SDSMA does on behalf of patients and physicians.

A testament to her leadership is her ability to retain a dedicated staff with very little turnover during her years as CEO. I rest easy knowing that the long-term staff at SDSMA share Barb’s drive to advance our mission. Please join me in thanking Barb for her leadership at our association, and do take the time to congratulate her on her achievements and upcoming retirement.