April 8, 2025

An economic development leader from the Sioux Falls area is becoming the next president and CEO of South Dakota Trade.

Jesse Fonkert, who most recently served as the deputy commissioner in the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, will take on the role April 21.

He succeeds Luke Lindberg, who has been nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as the undersecretary of trade and foreign agricultural affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Lindberg will continue leading South Dakota Trade until his nomination is confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

“Jesse is a statewide leader who has tremendous respect in the business community and with South Dakota Trade’s stakeholders,” Joe Beck, chair of the organization’s board, said in a statement.

“I’m confident this transition will be seamless, and Jesse will build upon the momentum Luke has generated for the association. We are excited that there will be some overlap between when Jesse joins South Dakota Trade and prior to Luke’s departure.”

Fonkert served as president and CEO of Sioux Metro Growth Alliance before  his role at GOED.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to lead South Dakota Trade at a time like this, when we are finally standing up for America’s small and medium-sized businesses and ensuring they have a level playing field as they compete for international sales,” Fonkert said.

“My tenure as the head of this association will be to carry on the important work Luke and the team have begun — our state is fortunate to have had Luke’s vision and leadership in the early days of South Dakota Trade.”

Gov. Larry Rhoden called Lindberg a friend “and someone who delivers outsized results. He has left a lasting impact on trade here in South Dakota, and I know he will do the same for our farmers and ranchers across America,” Rhoden said. “I’ve worked with Jesse in the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, so I know what he’s capable of. He is cut from the same cloth as Luke and will be a successful diplomat for our state.”

South Dakota Trade is a 501(c)(6) association that navigates international trade for South Dakota. The association has offices in Sioux Falls and Rapid City.

“Jesse is the right man for the job,” Lindberg said.

“Leading South Dakota Trade has been a huge honor and joy. Our team has done incredible work in a short period of time, and I will forever be thankful that stakeholders all across our great our state came alongside me to create South Dakota Trade. I will watch with great excitement how the organization continues to make a major impact on our economy under Jesse’s leadership. ”