Rhoden names new economic development commissioner

Tea resident, pork industry leader, will assume top role in attracting business to South Dakota

Gov. Larry Rhoden announced Tuesday that Bill Even will serve as the next commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), effective May 2.

“South Dakota has built the strongest economy and the freest state in America, and GOED has been instrumental to those accomplishments,” Rhoden said in a statement. “Bill Even is the right leader to continue driving our economy forward. Bill has a rich history of advocating for South Dakota’s economy, including for ag, our most important industry. I trust that Bill’s servant leadership will help us keep South Dakota Open for Opportunity.”

Even, a longtime public servant and agricultural advocate, currently serves as chief executive officer of the National Pork Board in Des Moines, Iowa. He previously held leadership roles with DuPont Pioneer and served in various state government positions under former Gov. Mike Rounds, including secretary of agriculture, deputy secretary of tourism and state development, and director of GOED.

“I want to thank Gov. Rhoden for the opportunity to serve as commissioner of the Governor's Office of Economic Development,” Even said. “My great-grandfather homesteaded our family farm at Humboldt in Dakota Territory in 1884. He and his young wife came here seeking new opportunities, room to grow and to raise a family. I believe that pioneering spirit still exists in America and in South Dakota. I look forward to working with people who share that optimistic mindset and vision of making a life and a living in our great state.”

Joe Fiala, who has been serving in a leadership capacity at GOED, will remain with the office as deputy commissioner.

“I am grateful for Joe’s continued service. He has been so crucial to GOED for years, and he will be an important partner to Bill in the future,” Rhoden said. “Together, Bill and Joe will help lead our economy towards even greater success.”

Even earned an associate degree in agricultural production from Lake Area Technical Institute, a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business from South Dakota State University, and a Juris Doctor from Drake University Law School.

He and his wife, Janell, live in Tea, South Dakota, and have three children.