For Immediate Release:  Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Contact:  Kristi Sandal, Public Information Officer, 605-773-3265 

Governor Appoints Aeronautics Commissioner 

PIERRE, S.D. – State Transportation Secretary Darin Bergquist announced today that Eric Odenbach of Eureka has been appointed by Gov. Dennis Daugaard to the South Dakota Aeronautics Commission. 

Odenbach is a 37-year-old farmer from the Eureka area who worked briefly for the Department of Transportation in the materials lab. 

He has an Associate’s Degree in Engineering, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Construction Management and recently received his private pilot certificate for single-engine aircraft. 

Odenbach succeeds Dr. Buron Lindbloom of Pierre, who has served for 25 years on the Aeronautics Commission.

Other commission members include: Richard Pearson of Brandon, Travis Lantis of Spearfish, Larry Nelson of Rapid City, Vernon “Skip” VanDerhule of Yankton, Larry Vetterman of Hot Springs, and Chris Funk of Madison. 

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* Odenbach (OHD’-en-bahk)