Title: General Counsel
Company: South Dakota Department of Health
Location: Pierre, South Dakota, United States
Howard J. Pallotta, JD, General Counsel at South Dakota Department of Health, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Lawyers for dedication, achievements, and leadership in corporate and criminal law.
With nearly 30 years of experience to his credit, Mr. Pallotta has excelled as general counsel for the South Dakota Department of Health since 2023. Prior to this position, he was active as general counsel for the Vermont Department of Health Access from 2014 to 2017, a senior corporate counsel for Sanford Health Plan from 2017 to 2020, and a senior attorney for the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services from 2021 to 2023. He began his career as general counsel with the Oklahoma Health Care Authority between 1994 and 2013. Admitted to practice law by the State Bar of South Dakota and the Kansas Bar Association, Mr. Pallotta represented cases before the Supreme Courts in Oklahoma and Vermont.
Before embarking on his professional path, Mr. Pallotta pursued an education at West Chester University of Pennsylvania, from which he earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice and police science in 1977. He continued his academic efforts with a Bachelor of Science in sociology from Montana State University-Bozeman in 1980. He concluded his studies at the Oklahoma City University School of Law in 1984, graduating with a Doctor of Jurisprudence in business law. Notably, Mr. Pallotta was recognized among the Top 15 percent of graduates at the Oklahoma City University School of Law.
Beyond his primary responsibilities, Mr. Pallotta has been greatly committed to his community, having been appointed to the Catholic Charities Board of Oklahoma City from 1990 to 2000. A member of Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America between 1978 and 1985, he also served as a resident adviser at his dormitory during his time at Montana State University-Bozeman from 1978 to 1980. For 10 years, he additionally dedicated his time and attention to a local ice hockey league as a referee. Moreover, Mr. Pallotta formerly contributed to the American Association of Human Services Attorneys in the role of president.
Mr. Pallotta attributes his success to his hard work, having gone above and beyond the expectations of others. Inspired by a college class about criminal law, he is proud to have acquired a diverse wealth of knowledge at the various agencies where he had practiced as general counsel. Among his proudest achievements, he fondly recalls operating as a mentor and role model for younger lawyers, as he has become reputable as a helpful leader among his staff. Looking toward the future, Mr. Pallota hopes to enter a well-deserved retirement, having already accomplished so much in his field.
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