Secretary's Biography

Richard Benda

Richard Benda serves as the Cabinet Secretary for the Department of Tourism and State Development. He began his duties on June 1, 2006.

Benda came to Pierre from Watertown, S.D. where he served as President and Executive Director for Focus Watertown and the Watertown Development Company since July 2001. He has more than 10 years of experience working for the state of South Dakota. Previously, he was a regional representative for the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, and worked with the Bureau of Administration, Bureau of Intergovernmental Relations, the Public Utilities Commission and the Department of Revenue. He is also involved in several economic development organizations, including board director of the Mid-American Economic Development Council.

Returning to Pierre after years of serving in other regions of the state and country feels like coming home to Richard. His eight-year-old daughter, Claire, is enjoying Pierre’s recreational opportunities, and makes sure her dad stays active with bike rides, trips to the hills, and spending time on the Missouri River.

Benda graduated from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion with a B.S. degree in Business Management.