Aberdeen-area lawmaker among 20 U.S. legislators to receive national award

Sen. Mike Rohl, a Republican from Brown County, is among 20 public officials under the age of 40 in the U.S. to receive the Council of State Governments annual award for up-and-coming public servants. (Submitted photo)

A South Dakota legislator has been tapped by a nationally recognized political organization for bipartisan cooperation and effectiveness.

State Sen. Michel Rohl, hailing from Brown County and serving South Dakota Legislative District 1 since 2021, is among 20 public officials serving in the U.S. who are under 40 years old who have been recognized by The Council of State Governments for bipartisan state leadership in 2022.

“The state officials recognized this year come from diverse backgrounds, different political parties, different branches of state government and from every region of our country, but they share a singular commitment to make a difference for those they serve,” said David Adkins, director and CEO of CSG, a nonprofit that each year selects 20 “up-and-coming” elected or appointed government officials. “They are hard-working leaders who have demonstrated the ability to productively collaborate to achieve consensus and produce results, and their public service honors the oldest and best values of our democracy.”

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Recipients of the 20 Under 40 Leadership Award are selected from a competitive pool of applicants from across the country and all three branches of state government.