PIERRE, S.D. – Gov. Mike Rounds has appointed Gerard Baker of Rapid City to South Dakota’s 11-member Tourism Advisory Board. The Governor also reappointed Stan Anderson, Wall; John Brockelsby, Rapid City; and George Kessler, Mina to the Tourism Board.
Baker began his four-year term with the Board on Aug. 20, 2010. He replaces Donna Rae Petersen, Ridgeview, who served eight years.
“Baker’s experience in park services gives him deep knowledge and insights into South Dakota’s tourism and visitor industry. His perspective and experience are great assets to the Tourism Board, and I look forward to working with him,” said Richard Benda, Secretary of the Department of Tourism and State Development.
Baker served as superintendent of Mount Rushmore National Memorial for six years, beginning in 2004. He left in April 2010 and most recently served as assistant park service director for American Indian Relations with the National Park Service.
Director of Tourism, Melissa Miller said, “Gerard’s passion for bringing cultures together through education will help strengthen goals developed by the Tourism Board and the Tourism Office.”
Tourism Board members serve in an advisory role and act as liaisons between the Office of Tourism and the visitor industry.
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