For Immediate Release:  Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Contact:  Kristi Sandal, Public Information Officer, 605.773.3265

Governor Appoints Aeronautics Commissioners

PIERRE, S.D. – State Transportation Secretary Darin Bergquist announced today that Travis Lantis of Spearfish has been appointed by Gov. Dennis Daugaard to a five-year term on the South Dakota Aeronautics Commission, effective July 1.

Lantis has been a corporate pilot with Lantis Enterprises since 1989 and has more than 5,000 hours in the air. Since starting with the company, he has served as vice president of business development and is currently the Chief Executive Officer.

“Travis’ education and experience as a pilot and businessman will be great assets to the Aeronautics Commission,” Secretary Bergquist said.

Lantis will succeed Jack Mitchell of Pierre, who has served for 13 years on the commission.

Gov. Daugaard also re-appointed Dick Pearson of Brandon to a five-year term on the Aeronautics Commission. Pearson is a businessman and has been a pilot since 1969. He is a member of several aviation associations and currently flies with the Vanguard Squadron, promoting ethanol.

Other commission members include: Buron Lindbloom of Pierre, Larry Nelson of Rapid City, Vernon “Skip” VanDerhule of Yankton, Larry Vetterman of Hot Springs, and Chris Funk of Madison.

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