Gov. Rhoden Announces GOED and Tourism Cabinet Reappointments

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 9, 2026

Contact: Josie Harms

Gov. Rhoden Announces GOED and Tourism Cabinet Reappointments

PIERRE, S.D. - Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced the reappointments of Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED) Commissioner Bill Even and Travel South Dakota Secretary Jim Hagen. These reappointments will take effect on January 9 when Governor Rhoden's full term begins.

"The transition process for the new Rhoden Administration is well underway, and the South Dakota Constitution affords me the responsibility to fill 19 cabinet positions," said Governor Larry Rhoden. "I'm pleased to start these announcements with strong leaders who help drive our economy and keep South Dakota Open for Opportunity. Both Jim and Bill bring a wealth of knowledge and sound-minded leadership to our state."

All current cabinet appointments expire at the end of the current four-year gubernatorial term. Appointment power is granted to the Governor in Article 4, Section 9 of the South Dakota Constitution. Most cabinet appointments will require advice and consent of the South Dakota Senate.

Commissioner Bill Even has served as GOED Commissioner for less than two years, and in that time helped Governor Rhoden make a sizeable impact in economic development. Governor Rhoden brokered the largest business investment in South Dakota's history and opened up an unprecedented opportunity to re-develop the downtown area of South Dakota's largest city, Sioux Falls.

Commissioner Even has also been instrumental in delivering on Governor Rhoden's vision to make national Security South Dakota's next big industry. Under his leadership, the Rhoden Administration invested in a new central hub for defense companies and stakeholders, the South Dakota Defense Institute (SDDI), to support businesses pursuing defense contracting opportunities.

"Thanks to Bill's vision and leadership, our state is building the partnerships and infrastructure needed to expand our national defense industry," said Governor Larry Rhoden. "My team is laser focused on economic development that's right for South Dakota, so we can keep our state Open for Opportunity for generations to come."

Bill has decades of experience in leadership, public service, and agriculture - including previously serving as the South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture. He holds an A.S. in Agricultural Production from Lake Area Technical Institute, a B.S. in Agricultural Business from South Dakota State University, and a Juris Doctorate from Drake University Law School. Bill and his wife, Janell, have three children and live in Tea, SD. You can find a photo of Bill Even here.

"Now more than ever, businesses are seeking stability, predictability, and a common-sense regulatory environment when making long range investments. South Dakota offers the solid ground that business of all types crave in our fast-changing world," said Bill Even. "Governor Rhoden also sees the opportunity to update our economic development strategy to support existing in-state businesses and welcome new pioneers as we build the future of our state, and I am honored to continue to serve on his team."

Secretary Jim Hagen will continue his service as Secretary of Travel South Dakota. He has held this role for 15 years. During his tenure in Noem-Rhoden Administration, visitor spending and total visitation have set record after record, supporting local businesses and providing tax relief for residents across the state. Governor Rhoden and Secretary Hagen's efforts to advance tourism also include securing investments in the expansion of the two largest airports in South Dakota, leading efforts to keep the lights on at Mount Rushmore during a federal government shutdown, and hosting America's 250^th birthday celebration at Mount Rushmore.

"Jim is a leader who remains focused on continuous improvement to lay a strong foundation for the next generation," said Governor Larry Rhoden. "The tourism industry is an important economic driver for our state, and I am excited to see the new ways Secretary Hagen and his team will elevate the South Dakota brand and continue our rich history of tourism and hospitality."

"The Travel South Dakota team is excited about the next four years and what's ahead for the tourism industry in our state, including our ambitious goal of becoming one of the top 10 most-desired vacation destinations in the nation," said Jim Hagen. "To achieve that goal, we'll continue helping communities across South Dakota develop their tourism assets, with a particular focus on our rural areas. We are deeply grateful to Governor Rhoden for his steadfast and enthusiastic support of tourism and for empowering our team to act boldly."

With over 20 years in leadership roles for five different governors, Jim has made a tremendous impact on our state. He has served in a number of positions on national boards and is well-touted as an expert in tourism and travel across the country. His leadership and vision have created an award-winning agency team and guided South Dakota's tourism industry to consecutive records in visitation and economic impact, helping cross 14.9 million visitors and $5 billion in visitor spending. You can find a photo of Jim Hagen here.

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