RAPID CITY - A new chief of staff has been selected for the South Dakota Air National Guard, according to a news release from the Guard public affairs office.

Col. Ruth Christopherson of rural Garretson has been selected for the position. South Dakota National Guard adjutant general Maj. Gen. Steven Doohen announced the news Friday, according to the release.

Christopherson served as the J5 for the Joint Staff prior to her selection. Her duties were to prepare plans, policies and programs for the South Dakota National Guard.

In her new role Christopherson will work directly for the Air Guard assistant adjutant general. She will be responsible for the "operational readiness" of the South Dakota Air National Guard as well as the unit's ability to do federal and state missions.