Pierre and Sioux Falls – U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rounds announced today that Mark Johnston of Sioux Falls is joining his campaign team as Southeast Region Director – with a focus on Veterans and the healthcare industry.
“Mark is a trusted friend who has spent his career serving others. I’m glad he is joining our team,” said Rob Skjonsberg, manager of the Rounds for Senate Campaign.
Johnston is a retired Colonel; having served more than 28 years in the Army National Guard and Army Reserve. From late-2002 to early-2007 he served as Press Secretary to then-Gov. Mike Rounds. Since early 2007 he has worked for Sanford Health, most recently as Vice President of Public Policy.
In 2010 Johnston was elected to the SD Legislature representing District 12 in Lincoln and Minnehaha Counties. He resigned in the summer of 2013 for new job responsibilities at Sanford. A strong voice for Veteran’s issues in the legislature, Johnston received the 2012 “South Dakota Legislator of the Year” recognition for the Disabled American Veterans Department of South Dakota.
“I’m honored to have the opportunity to join Mike’s team,” said Johnston. “I look forward to using my experiences to help him get elected as the next U.S. Senator for South Dakota.”
Johnston starts his duties September 6.