Mike Rounds

Meet Mike Rounds: A Commitment to serving south dakota

Mike Rounds was born in Huron, South Dakota, and grew up in Pierre, South Dakota. He is the oldest of eleven children in a family where faith, hard work and community service were important. Those early lessons shaped the way he would approach his leadership responsibilities in the future.

In 2014, the people of South Dakota elected Mike to work for them in the United States Senate, where he serves on five key committees: Armed Services, Appropriations, Banking, Indian Affairs and the Select Committee on Intelligence.

From 2003 to 2011, Mike worked as South Dakota’s 31st Governor. His leadership focused on keeping taxes low, helping small businesses grow, creating jobs, and building opportunities so that young people could stay and thrive in South Dakota. During his time in office, the state experienced strong economic development, expanded scholarship opportunities and real growth in tourism and research. Before that, Mike served his community for five terms in the state senate, serving his final three terms as the majority leader.

Outside of public office, Mike worked for nearly three decades in the private sector. Along with his business partners, they successfully built an insurance and real estate business with locations across the state. He understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with running a small business in South Dakota.

Mike is a proud graduate of South Dakota State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science — and met his late wife, Jean Vedvei. Together, they raised four children, Chris, Brian, Carrie and John, and are blessed with eleven grandchildren.

At every step of his career, Mike has carried with him the values of his South Dakota roots.

Governor Rounds’ accomplishments in office:

Beginning construction of the Sanford Underground Laboratory at Homestake and initialization of the first experiments at the 4,850-foot level of the mine; the mine is well on its way to becoming a world-class research facility

Large increases in South Dakota’s Gross Domestic Product and visitor spending

Over 25,000 more people with jobs in South Dakota at the end of 2010, compared to eight years earlier — despite the national recession

Substantial advancement of the ethanol and wind energy sectors

Establishing 10 nationally competitive research centers at state-supported universities

Record state university and technical school enrollments

Creation of university and technical institute scholarship programs, providing more than $15 million in scholarships

Greatly increased PhD programs at the six state-supported universities

K-12 schools received $109 million more annually compared to when Rounds first took office as governor

Saving Ellsworth Air Force Base from closure in 2005 by a federal commission in partnership with our bipartisan federal delegation

Under former Governor Rounds’ leadership, South Dakota ranked in the following areas:

#1 in State Tax Business Climate Index (Tax Foundation)

#1 Small Business Survival Index (Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council)

#1 Business Tax Index: State Tax Systems for Entrepreneurship & Small Business (Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council)

2nd Lowest state tax rate per capita in the nation.

Fast Facts About Mike Rounds

Born in Huron and raised in Pierre, Mike Rounds has always called South Dakota home. He and his late wife Jean raised four children–Chris, Brian, Carrie and John–and are blessed with eleven grandchildren who keep the Rounds family table lively. A lifelong Catholic, Mike’s values are rooted in faith, family and service to South Dakota. Read on for some other frequently asked questions about Mike's background.

What are some of Mike's hobbies?

A licensed commercial pilot with multi-engine and instrument ratings, Mike enjoys flying, hunting, racquetball, camping, boating and spending time with his family.

Where did Mike Rounds graduate from?

Mike Rounds earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from South Dakota State University.

How is Mike involved with the community?

Mike's past civic leadership includes serving as Board President of the Oahe YMCA, Vice President of the Home and School Association of St. Joseph School, President of the Pierre-Ft. Pierre Exchange Club, and Exalted Ruler of the Pierre Elks Lodge. Rounds is also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the NRA.

What other offices has Mike Rounds held?

From 1991 to 2000, Mike Rounds served five terms in the South Dakota State Senate. In 1995, he was chosen by his peers to serve as Senate Majority Leader, a post he held for six years. Rounds was sworn in as South Dakota’s 31st governor on January 7, 2003, and re-elected in 2006.