The South Dakota State Senate has confirmed Governor Larry Rhoden’s appointment of Dean Kirkeby to the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks (GFP) Commission.
“South Dakota is the most beautiful state, and protecting our great outdoors is a responsibility we don’t take lightly — we owe it to our kids and our grandkids,” Governor Rhoden said. “Dean Kirkeby is a lifelong steward of the land, and his commitment to conservation, habitat protection, and public access will be a strong asset to our state.”
Kirkeby is a lifelong South Dakotan and a 1978 graduate of South Dakota State University. He operates a family farm with his sons and has a long history of supporting outdoor recreation, including providing public access for deer and pheasant hunters. A private pilot, Kirkeby has integrated aviation into his farming operation to survey livestock, cropland, and land enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program.
In addition to his agricultural background, Kirkeby brings extensive local governance experience to the commission. He served for more than 20 years on the Merton Township board, where he was involved in community decision-making and land stewardship issues.
Kirkeby will replace Jon Locken, who completed his eight-year term on the GFP Commission in January.
“I appreciate my appointment to the SD GFP Commission and the trust Governor Rhoden has placed in me,” Kirkeby said. “As a commissioner, my primary goal will be keeping the outdoors open and accessible to everyone that wants to enjoy it.”
Kirkeby has been married for 36 years. He and his wife have three sons and are the grandparents of five grandchildren.