PIERRE, SD. – After announcing plans to step down as chief executive officer of the National Pork Board (NPB), earlier this month, Bill Even was appointed as the next Commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), effective May 2, 2025.

“South Dakota has built the strongest economy and the freest state in America, and GOED has been instrumental to those accomplishments,” said Larry Rhoden, governor of South Dakota. “Bill Even is the right leader to continue driving our economy forward. Bill has as rich history of advocating for South Dakota’s economy, including for ag, our most important industry. I trust that Bill’s servant leadership will help us keep South Dakota Open for Opportunity.”

Prior to leading the NPB for the past nine years, Even’s public service included serving as South Dakota’s secretary of agriculture, 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. From 2010 to 2016, he also worked in leadership roles with DuPont Pioneer’s commercial unit and in global corporate industry relations.

Rhoden said Joe Fiala, commissioner to the Governor’s Office of Economic Development will assume a new role as the deputy commissioner and will work closely with Even moving forward.

“I am grateful for Joe’s continued service. He has been so crucial to GOED for years, and he will be an important partner to Bill in the future,” Rhoden said. “Together, Bill and Joe will help lead our economy towards even greater success.”

Even, a resident of Tea, SD and a fifth-generation co-owner of his family’s crop and livestock operation near Humboldt, SD, expressed his gratitude to Rhoden for the opportunity to serve in the governor’s office.  

“My great-grandfather homesteaded our family farm at Humboldt in Dakota Territory in 1884. He and his young wife came here seeking new opportunities, room to grow and to raise a family,” Even said. “I believe that pioneering spirit still exists in America and in South Dakota. I look forward to working with people who share that optimistic mindset and vision of making a life and a living in our great state.”