JUNE 2, 2023:
Governor Krisi Noem has chosen Chris Schilken to be the new Commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED).
Prior to being appointed Commissioner, Schilken served a dual role as GOED’s Deputy Commissioner and Director of Business Development. With a background and passion for economic development, he has overseen over 100 complex projects, valued at billions of dollars in capital investment for the state of South Dakota. Schilken’s actions aided in the addition of 7,000 jobs and 150 projects in the past five years, making him a key ambassador for promoting South Dakota.
“I want to thank Governor Noem for the opportunity to serve as Commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development,” said Chris Schilken. “The work that I have gotten to do with GOED over the last five years has been life-changing for myself and for people across the state. I am looking forward to leading this group and working closely with Governor Noem to continue building a stronger South Dakota.”
Schilken and his wife, Erika, live in Watertown, South Dakota with their four children.
APRIL 26, 2023:
South Dakota Commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development Steve Westra will be stepping down from that position, effective May 22, 2023.
Westra has served as GOED Commissioner since 2019. He previously served as the chief operating officer of Hegg Companies in Sioux Falls. He was a member of the State House of Representatives from 2013-2016 and also served on the State Tourism Advisory Board.
“When I took on this role, I never expected that it would be defined by a global pandemic. Governor Noem trusted the people of South Dakota and our business community to make the right decisions, and we have emerged with record-breaking business investment,” said Steve Westra. “We had more business development in the last four years than in the previous ten combined. I am grateful to the Governor for her trust in me and her leadership of our state, and it has been an honor to serve on her team. There are more opportunities for our future than ever before!”
South Dakota’s 1.9% unemployment rate is the lowest in the nation and tied for the lowest of any state in American history. In the last year, South Dakota has at various points been the national leader in new business applications per-capita, new housing growth, and personal income growth.
Travis Dovre has been appointed by Governor Kristi Noem to serve as interim commissioner of GOED.
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