Gov. Rounds announces changes to South Dakota Science and Technology Authority Board

PIERRE—Gov. Mike Rounds announced today that Dave Snyder, of Lead, has resigned from the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) Board effective immediately to be named Executive Director; and Steve Zellmer, Rapid City, has been named to the board as a replacement for Snyder. 

“I am honored that Gov. Rounds has asked me to serve,” said Zellmer on the announcement.  “I feel that the creation of an underground laboratory is one of the most important opportunities in South Dakota’s history.”

For 12 years, Zellmer led the state cement plant in Rapid City and its transition to private ownership in 2002.  Zellmer also has extensive experience in state government, serving 8 years as Commissioner, Bureau of Finance and Management and Secretary of Revenue in Pierre.

With the announcements, the board is made up of the following individuals:

§       Steve Zellmer of Rapid City, S.D.

§       Tom Adam of Pierre, S.D.

§       David Bozied of Sioux Falls, S.D.

§       Pat LeBrun of Rapid City, S.D.

§       Casey Peterson of Rapid City, S.D

The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority was created by Gov. Rounds and the Legislature during the 2004 session as part of a package of bills to convert the Homestake Mine into an underground laboratory.

SB 214 – An Act to authorize agreements to indemnify persons who donate property for publicly beneficial uses and to declare an emergency.

SB 215 – An Act to provide immunity for the donation of property for publicly beneficial uses and to declare an emergency.

SB 216 – An Act to create the Science and Technology Authority and to declare an emergency.

SB 200 – An Act relating to transfer of Homestake to the Science and Technology Authority and to appropriate for costs associated with maintaining the mine and to declare an emergency.