About Us
Office of Commercialization
Dr. Melvin Ustad
Mel is the Director of the Office of Commercialization. Mel is responsible for working with the S.D. Board of Regents and universities to oversee the 2010 Research Center and South Dakota EPSCoR activities and serves as a liaison between economic development and higher education.
Mel can be reached at mel.ustad@state.sd.us
Linda Smith
Linda is the administrative assistant for the Office of Commercialization and GOED Office at the South Dakota Technology Business Center in Sioux Falls.
Linda can be reached at linda.smith@state.sd.us
State Energy Development
Hunter Roberts
Hunter is the Energy Policy Director for the State. He serves as liaison on behalf of the Governor and department secretary to energy groups and recommends state actions and policies relating to energy production and development. Additionally, he is the Executive Director of the South Dakota Energy Infrastructure Authority. Hunter is an attorney and assists GOED in the 2010 goal of making South Dakota a net energy exporter.