Rounds Announces Promotions in Rapid City Office

Rounds Announces Promotions in Rapid City Office

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) announced today that Adam Kaemingk has been promoted to West River Director and Mike Bekaert has been promoted to Director of in-State Military and Veterans Affairs. The promotions come as Jeff Marlette, Rounds’ West River Director since 2015, has been selected by Gov. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) to serve as the 22nd Adjutant General of the South Dakota National Guard.

“Adam has been an integral part of our team since day one,” said Rounds. “A lifelong South Dakotan, he has dedicated his career to helping others. We’re pleased to have him lead our West River team as they continue their extraordinary work on behalf of South Dakotans. His experience in public service will serve him well in this new role.”

“South Dakotans have a long and proud history of serving our nation, including Mike. Mike is passionate about serving our veterans and supporting South Dakota’s role in our military operations. He brings with him decades of military experience as a Command Sergeant Major in the U.S. Army and the South Dakota National Guard. South Dakota veterans and service members are fortunate to have Mike working on their behalf.”

“I also congratulate Jeff Marlette for his selection to be Adjutant General of the South Dakota National Guard. Having served in the National Guard for 32 years before retiring as a brigadier general, Marlette understands the needs of the organization as well as anyone. I thank him for his leadership in my Rapid City office over the past four years and look forward to watching him excel in this new capacity.”

A native of Mitchell, Kaemingk has worked for Rounds since he took office in 2015. Previously, he worked at the South Dakota Department of Social Services and as a financial planner. Kaemingk received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn., and is currently pursuing an Executive Master Degree of Public Administration from the University of South Dakota. He and his wife, Hayley, reside in Rapid City with their four children.

Bekaert has served as a Constituent Service Representative in Rounds’ Rapid City office since 2015. He served more than 30 years in the Army and Army National Guard as a Command Sergeant Major. He is a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), a 27-year member of the American Legion and past commander of American Legion Post 109. Bekaert received his Bachelors of Science degree from Liberty University in Lynchburg, V.A. He and his wife, Karen, reside in Rapid City. They have four grown children and three grandchildren.

Marlette will replace Maj. Gen. Timothy Reisch, who has served as Adjutant General since 2011.

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