Leadership

Larry Rhoden is a lifelong West River rancher, a dedicated husband and father, and a proven leader with a record of service for South Dakota. He serves as the 34th Governor of South Dakota.

Larry was elected as lieutenant governor alongside Governor Kristi Noem in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. He rose to the office of governor in January 2025.

Growing up in the church, Larry understood true service at a young age. After graduating high school, he joined the South Dakota National Guard, serving six years and carrying on a family legacy of military service that began in the Revolutionary War. While his children were young, he served as a church trustee, earned a seat on the local school board, and led the Board of Directors for the area Cenex. He currently serves as a Deacon of his home church.

In 2000, Larry was elected to the state legislature. During his time as a citizen legislator, his peers repeatedly selected him to serve in leadership, and he’s shown an aptitude for getting things done. Larry served as House Majority Leader and chaired both the Senate and House State Affairs Committees. Larry worked with then-Representative Noem to reform property taxes, led efforts to repeal the so-called “Trucker’s Tax,” and shaped legislation to defend the 2nd Amendment rights of South Dakotans. His work earned him the American Conservative Union’s highest ranking in 2017. He served as Interim Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Agriculture from May 2020 to September 2020 and as South Dakota’s Agriculture Ambassador from 2020 to 2025. He has also served as a past President of State Ag and Rural Leaders.

Larry still does custom welding and operates the ranch where he was born and raised. He and his wife, Sandy, have four sons: Jesse, Cody, Reggie, and Tristen; daughters-in-law Sarah, Liz, Jennifer, and Kalen; and seven grandchildren.

Joe Fiala serves as Commissioner to the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED).

Joe entered the field of economic development in 2007 as executive director of Miller’s local economic development office. Joe joined GOED in 2012 and has served in several key roles as director for research, community development, business development, and partner relations.

He has worked on projects that total billions of dollars in capital investment has helped create thousands of jobs for the people in our state, making Joe an excellent ambassador for South Dakota.

Joe and his wife, Andrea, live in Miller and have two daughters.

Jesse Fonkert is the Deputy Commissioner for the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED).

Jesse has spent much of his professional life working in economic development. Before joining GOED, Jesse played a vital role in the 2021 merger of Sioux Metro Growth Alliance (SMGA), serving as President and CEO. Jesse’s leadership encompassed 16 municipalities across four counties during his time there.

Jesse’s dedication and commitment to the businesses and people he interacts with daily is visible in all he does. His insight and expertise will help further shape South Dakota’s economic landscape.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jesse is a devoted husband to wife Kelsey and proud father to daughters Astrid & Katherine. Residing in Hartford, the family stays active in the community.