About Mike

Fast Facts About Mike Rounds

Marion Michael “Mike” Rounds was named for an uncle, Marion Rounds, who was killed in the Pacific theater during World War II.

Born: October 24, 1954 in Huron, SD

Party: Republican

Spouse: Jean Rounds

Family: Married to Jean Vedvei, with four children: Christopher, Brian, Carrie, and John. He also has six grandchildren: Ian, Micah, Elaina, Andrina, Isabel, and Beckett.

Religion: Catholic

College: Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from South Dakota State University

Occupation: Mike is president and CEO of Fischer, Rounds & Associates Inc., an insurance and real estate agency with offices in Pierre, Rapid City, Watertown, Mitchell, and Sioux Falls.

Community Service: 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, Ducks Unlimited, and the NRA.

Involvement: Mike is active in the Bipartisan Policy Council as a charter member of the Governor’s Council made up of former governors, and co-leader of the “Health Project” at the Bipartisan Policy Center. Additionally, he is the co-chairman of the Immigration Task Force, sponsored by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

Elected Offices: 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.

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

A detailed biography of Mike Rounds can be found here.