PIERRE - The governor has appointed Daryl Russell to a new position in state government as director of Indian Health Care Initiatives.

He'll work with tribes and state and federal agencies to address health care issues for Native Americans.

Russell is a member of the Lower Brule Tribe and lives in Aberdeen. He's currently retired after serving as a hospital administrator in Sisseton and deputy director of Indian Health Services in the Aberdeen area.

Gov. Mike Rounds said the job came partly in response to a state task force that examined ways to ensure that all residents have access to health insurance.