Bonnie Johnson
April 25, 2025
Media ArticleSouth Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden has appointed Bill Even, a former state agriculture secretary, to lead the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED).
The announcement also includes a leadership change for Joe Fiala, the current commissioner, who will now serve as deputy commissioner.
Bill Even brings a strong background in agriculture and leadership. He served as South Dakota’s agriculture secretary from 2007 to 2010. After that, he worked at DuPont Pioneer and became CEO of the National Pork Board in 2016.
His new role at GOED marks a return to public service, where he is expected to support business development and job creation.
Even has held many public positions in the past, including deputy secretary of tourism and state development, director of GOED, director of state energy policy, and policy adviser to former Governor Mike Rounds.
His experience spans both public service and private enterprise, giving him a strong foundation to lead the state’s economic growth strategy.
Joe Fiala, who served as commissioner for less than a year, will take over as deputy commissioner.
He fills the position left open by Jesse Fonkert, who was recently appointed president and CEO of South Dakota Trade. Fiala was originally appointed by former Governor Kristi Noem.
I even hold degrees in agriculture from South Dakota State University and Lake Area Technical College. He also earned a law degree from Drake University.
He currently lives in Tea with his family and co-owns Even Farms in Humboldt—a fifth-generation crop and livestock farm.
Photo by: governor.sd.gov
