Governor Names Scott Stern As GOED Commissioner
PIERRE, S.D. – Gov. Dennis Daugaard announced today that he will appoint Scott G. Stern as Commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. Stern will begin on Sept. 1, 2016.
“Scott Stern will be a great leader of our state’s economic development efforts,” said Gov. Daugaard. “From his work building a small town family business, to his time working with major corporate clients, Scott understands why South Dakota is a great place to do business.”
Stern is a Freeman native and a graduate of the University of South Dakota. For 29 years, Stern worked with Stern Oil Company of Freeman, including 14 years as vice president and general manager. For the past four years, Stern has worked a district sales manager for Petro-Canada America, a division of Suncor Energy.
“I look forward to supporting and assisting South Dakota businesses grow and achieve their objectives. I’m also excited to share the South Dakota advantage with outside businesses that want to make this great state their home,” said Stern.
During his years in Freeman, Stern served two stints on the city council and took leadership roles in the Freeman Chamber of Commerce and the Freeman Economic Development Corporation. He also served as a Dakota Rising small business mentor.
Stern and his wife, Staci, have three grown children. He will replace Pat Costello, who stepped aside as GOED Commissioner at the end of June.
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(BTW, many of you politicos may know Scott’s wife, Staci, who worked for both Senator Pressler’s office, as well as Senator Thune. Great to have her back in SD! – PP)