People in the News Feb. 23, 2023

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem appointed Steven Perkins to the South Dakota Board of Education Standards, which provides resources and professional support for educators.
“Steve has grandkids of his own, and he realizes that their future is of the utmost importance,” Gov. Noem said Feb. 7 via news.sd.gov.
“He will put the future of our next generation first in his approach to the Board of Education Standards, and that is why he is a great pick for this role.”
Perkins has been principal of Perkins Consulting in Sioux Falls since 2006, secretary and treasurer of New Horizon Farms in Pipestone from 1997 to 2006, and president and CEO of Ellison Meat Co. in Pipestone from 1997 to 2001.
He was Red Wing administrator from 1992 to 1997, Luverne city administrator from 1986 to 1992, and Pipestone mayor from 1977 to 1986.  
Perkins taught real estate classes at Minnesota West Community and Technical College in Worthington, Southwest Minnesota State University, and through Luverne Community Education.
He helped facilitate and arrangement with City of Luverne, Sanford Health and Minnesota West to establish degree programs for radiologic technician, surgical technician, medical assistant and lab technician.
“Our kids are our most precious asset, and our standards should set them up with the best possible opportunity for success,” said Perkins, who has been a Sioux Falls resident for 10 years.
“We need to raise the bar for our children and work to ensure that every child has the opportunity to pursue their dreams.”
Perkins chaired the Luverne Community Hospital Board and Sanford Hospital Luverne Community Advisory Board. He was director and trustee council member of the Minnesota Hospital Association, and he chaired the Committee on Governance for the American Hospital Association. 
He has a bachelor’s degree in economics, business and political science from Macalester College.
He has four adult stepchildren with his wife, Marianne, and they have eight grandchildren.