Leadership Profiles

When Governor Dennis Daugaard took office in January 2011, he immediately made economic development a top priority and a cornerstone of his administration. His commitment to  in-state businesses, prospective companies, and job growth makes him South Dakota’s No. 1 salesman. 

During his first legislative session as Governor, he successfully led the effort to balance the budget without increasing taxes or using state reserve funds.

Prior to becoming governor, Daugaard served as South Dakota’s lieutenant governor from 2002-2010, and as a state legislator from 1996-2001. He has also worked in the financial services, nonprofit and legal sectors.

For a full bio, please visit Governor Dennis Daugaard’s website. 
 

 

Pat Costello assumed his role as the Commissioner of the South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) in January 2011. Commissioner Costello is also a member of Governor Dennis Daugaard’s six-person Executive Committee.

Costello began his professional career as a Certified Public Accountant working with firms in both Arizona and South Dakota. In addition to his work as a CPA (inactive), for the past 20 years Costello has operated small businesses in Sioux Falls including Fuddruckers restaurant and is a partner in Borrowed Buck’s Roadhouse. Costello currently sits on the Board of Directors for Children’s Care Hospital and School, is a Rotary Club member, and served on the Sioux Falls City Council from 2006-2010. Costello served as Chairman of the city council from 2009-2010.

Costello is a graduate of Sioux Falls O’Gorman High School and Arizona State University. Costello and his wife, Shawn, have three children.

Nathan Lukkes assumed his role as the Deputy Commissioner of the South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) in May 2012. 

Lukkes began his professional career as an attorney in Sioux Falls, practicing primarily in the areas of business and transactional law, general litigation and estate planning.  Prior to working for GOED, he served as the Legal Services Director for the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation.  Lukkes also serves as a Judge Advocate with the South Dakota Army National Guard and deployed to Afghanistan in 2010-2011 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Lukkes obtained his juris doctorate and undergraduate degree from the University of South Dakota.  He and his wife, Kate, enjoy spending time with family and friends, running, camping and hiking.  He also volunteers for Junior Achievement of South Dakota, teaching ethics to local youth.  

 

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