New SDARL Director Named
 

SDARL board of directors announce the program’s new executive director to take over in 2008. 

Denny  Everson, President of the Agri-Business Division at First Dakota National Bank, will take over as the SDARL Executive Director in April 2008.  Current SDARL Executive Director, Dan Gee will retire once SDARL Class IV graduates that April. 

Everson will continue in his role as President of the Agri-Business Division at First Dakota National Bank. 

“I am really pleased that SDARL board of directors selected Denny Everson.  He was one of the original founders of SDARL and has a real passion for this leadership program,” said Gee, who will become the program’s Director of International Travel and Alumni Affairs once he retires. 

Everson and others founded the SDARL program in 1999.  He currently serves as the Board chairman. 

SDARL is a leadership program dedicated to identifying and developing leaders in agriculture and rural communities across South Dakota.  Thirty-two individuals involved in agriculture production and business from across the state are currently enrolled in its fourth class.  Each class spans two years. 

“The sustainability of agriculture, the mainstay of our South Dakota economy, is dependent upon strong industry leadership,” Everson said.  “It was this principle that led to the establishment of the SDARL program.” 

As President of the Agri-Business Division at First Dakota National Bank, Everson says he has the opportunity to see firsthand how well trained agriculture leadership can impact the economics of the agriculture industry.  He is confident that his new involvement in SDARL will fit well with his present and ongoing position at First Dakota National Bank. 

In an effort to delegate some of the duties that Gee is currently responsible for, Everson and the Board recently hired Michelle Robbins, a 2006 graduate of SDARL as Executive Assistant.  The SDARL office will continue to be located on the campus of SDSU. 

“The program is in great hands,” Gee said.  “Michelle has demonstrated she is capable of helping with itineraries, contacts and the many details that go into each successful seminar.  She has volunteered her time to help me on several occasions.” 

SDARL will be accepting applications for Class V January through March of 2008.  The application deadline is March 31, 2008.  For more information please feel free to contact the SDARL office (605-688-5440) or go to its website www.sdarl@sdstate.org.