711 E. Wells Ave.

Pierre, SD 57501

(605) 773-3301

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, May 29, 2007

CONTACT: Mary Lehecka Nelson, 773-3301

 

PIERRE, S.D. – Kim (Juffer) Olson has been named the state’s Economic Development Director and the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Tourism and State Development, Richard Benda, Secretary of Tourism and State Development announced today, May 29, 2007. Olson currently serves as a Senior Policy Advisor to Governor Mike Rounds.

 

“Kim has been working as the Department’s liaison with the Governor’s Office for the past several years so this is a natural transition for her,” Benda said. “Kim is already up to speed on the majority of our economic development projects so she will literally be able to hit the ground running,” he said.

 

Olson, a Mitchell native, is a graduate of DePauw University in Greencastle, IN, where she received a B.A. in Political Science. Before working in the Governor’s Office, Olson worked as a Real Estate Analyst for Aon Corporation in Chicago, IL and spent time working on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C.

 

“I am honored to be given this opportunity. Governor Rounds and South Dakota community leaders have established aggressive goals in the 2010 Initiative. Given our top rated business climate and our enthusiastic work force, this is an extraordinary time to make significant advances in South Dakota’s economy and ultimately our quality of life. I am excited to work with the talented team in Tourism and State Development, as well as our local communities in efforts to expand opportunities for South Dakotans.”

 

In addition to her duties as director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Olson will serve as Deputy Secretary for the Department of Tourism and State Development. Olson will focus on the day-to-day operations of economic development as well as assisting with the general administration of Tourism and State Development. Olson will assume this position once her current duties in the Governor’s Office can be appropriately transitioned.

 

Olson, her husband Ryan, and their daughter Olivia live on a farm outside of Onida.

 

For a photo of Kim Olson, go to http://www.sdreadytowork.com/news/pics/olson07.jpg