South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden has appointed a former state Secretary of Agriculture to serve as the next Commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development.
Bill Even, who currently works as the Chief Executive Officer for the National Pork Board, will take over the GOED job May 2, 2025. Current GOED Commissioner Joe Fiala will move to the role of Deputy Commissioner.
In addition to agriculture secretary, Even has experience working for state government as the Deputy Secretary of Tourism and State Development, Director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, State Energy Policy Director and Policy Advisor and Executive branch lobbyist for former Governor Mike Rounds.
Even says his great-grandfather homesteaded the family farm in Dakota Territory in 1884, near what is now the town of Humboldt. Even believes the pioneering spirit still exists in America and in South Dakota and he looks forward to working with people who share that optimistic mindset.
Bill and his wife, Janell, have three children and live in Tea.
Governor Rhoden says Even is the right leader to continue driving the state economy forward. Rhoden says Even has as rich history of advocating for South Dakota’s economy and his servant leadership will help keep the state “Open for Opportunity.”
Even 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. He currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the National Pork Board based in Des Moines, IA. Prior to his employment with the NPB, Even served as the Global Industry Relations Lead and Commercial Unit Lead for DuPont Pioneer.
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