USD Alumus is New Economic Development Commissioner
“Scott Stern will be a great leader of our state’s economic development efforts,” Daugaard said. “From his work building a small town family business, to his time working with major corporate clients, Scott understands why South Dakota is a great place to do business.”
Stern, who begins on Sept. 1, is a Freeman native and a 1983 business management graduate of USD. For 29 years, he worked with Stern Oil Co., of Freeman, including 14 years as vice president and general manager. For the past four years, Stern has worked a district sales manager for Petro-Canada America, a division of Suncor Energy.
“I look forward to supporting and assisting South Dakota businesses grow and achieve their objectives. I’m also excited to share the South Dakota advantage with outside businesses that want to make this great state their home,” Stern said.
During his years in Freeman, Stern served two stints on the city council and took leadership roles in the Freeman Chamber of Commerce and the Freeman Economic Development Corp. He also served as a Dakota Rising small business mentor.
Stern and his wife, Staci, have three grown children. He will replace Pat Costello, who stepped aside as GOED Commissioner at the end of June.
