Governor Rhoden Announces Appointments to South Dakota Defense Institute Board

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 6, 2026

Contact: Josie Harms

Governor Rhoden Announces Appointments to South Dakota Defense Institute Board

PIERRE, S.D. - Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced the appointment of the remaining six voting members of the inaugural South Dakota Defense Institute (SDDI) Board of Directors. The additional members were appointed by the organization's initial three-person Board of Directors.

"The South Dakota Defense Institute will help us keep South Dakota - and America - strong, safe, and free," said Governor Larry Rhoden. "This board brings together outstanding leaders who will help build on our strengths, creating new opportunities for South Dakota businesses, and position South Dakota for continued growth in the defense sector."

Governor Rhoden previously established the South Dakota Defense Institute, which serves as a centralized hub for defense collaboration, connecting industry, government, and education to strengthen South Dakota's contributions to the United States Defense Industrial Base. The nonprofit organization works to coordinate with federal partners, identify new opportunities, and develop programs that support South Dakota businesses, workforce development, and research.

The SDDI Board of Directors previously had three appointed members of leadership, including:

• Mike Bockorny, Chief Executive Officer, South Dakota Economic Development Professionals Association, Aberdeen (Board President);
• John Jorgensen, Vice President and Chief Cybersecurity Officer, Black Hills Energy, Rapid City (Board Vice President); and
• Kyle Chase, Chief Operating Officer, MMS Products, Sioux Falls (Board Secretary-Treasurer).

The six new appointments to the SDDI Board of Directors are:

• Scott Erickson, President, American Bank & Trust, Sioux Falls;

• Rob Hrabe, Chief Executive Officer, VRC Metal Systems, Rapid City;
• Jim Nelson, President, Aerostar, Sioux Falls;
• Robb Peterson, President, Glacial Lakes Rubber & Plastics, Watertown;
• Dr. Brian Tande, President, South Dakota Mines, Rapid City; and
• Jack Valentine, Chief Executive Officer, Elevate Rapid City, Rapid City.

The board also approved amendments to the organization's bylaws to include an additional ex-officio, non-voting member. The ex officio, non-voting members are:

• Bill Even, Commissioner, Governor's Office of Economic Development;
• Gen. Mark Morrell, Adjutant General, South Dakota National Guard; and
• Al Rieman, Chair, Ellsworth Development Authority Board.

You can learn more information about SDDI here.

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