The SDSTA Board presented Christen with a certificate of service and a proclamation from the Governor’s office declaring September 18, 2018 “Paul R. Christen Day” during the regular quarterly Board meeting. From right to left: Casey Peterson, chair of the SDSTA; Paul Christen, resigning board member; Mike Headley, executive director of the SDSTA.
After nearly eight years, Paul Christen stepped down from the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority Board. He served from January 31, 2011, through September 18, 2018.
“Paul has done a great job on the board,” said Casey Peterson, chair of the SDSTA. “Out of the kindness of his heart, he stepped up at a critical time in our history and used his unique business skills to help make the Sanford Underground Research Facility successful.”
A native of Huron, South Dakota, and a 1950 graduate of Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, Christen, along with his wife Donna “Muffy” Christen, started the First Western Bank in 1976; by 2008, they owned 17 banks, which they sold that year. They also owned First Western Agency, an insurance company headquartered in Huron. In 2011, they donated $20 million to the South Dakota Community Foundation as a way to “give back to future generations.”
The SDSTA Board presented Christen with a certificate of service and a proclamation from the Governor’s office declaring September 18, 2018 “Paul R. Christen Day” during the regular quarterly Board meeting.
“It has been an honor to serve and I really hate to leave,” Christen told fellow board members. “It’s exciting where Sanford Lab is going; I wish you all the best of luck as you continue forward. This has really been a great experience.
Mike Headley, executive director of the SDSTA, thanked Christen for his service, saying “We are so grateful for your leadership. You’ve helped us grow into a world-leading research facility and we appreciate everything you’ve done.”
Christen received the first Excellence in Economic Development award in 1994, given by the South Dakota Governor's office in honor of the late Gov. George S. Mickelson. He also served as president and CEO of Christen Group, LLC, and as an officer of CG Properties and Christen Company, all in Huron. He served 12 consecutive years on the Dakota Wesleyan University Board of Trustees and was chairman of the board for six years.
The Christens established and served as officers for First Western foundations in Belle Fourche, Custer, Hot Springs, Spearfish, Sturgis and Wall. They received the Outstanding South Dakota Philanthropists of the Year award in 1990 and the Distinguished Civil Service award from the Huron Chamber of Commerce in 1991.
“Paul truly loves South Dakota and has done so much to serve his state and his own community,” Peterson said. “And we will always be grateful for the work he’s done to further science through the Sanford Underground Research Facility.”
Roger Musick, founder and CEO of Innovative Systems, LLC, will replace Christen, Peterson said. Musick, of Mitchell, South Dakota, has served on numerous boards including Dakota Wesleyan University, Avera Queen of Peace Hospital and the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce. A professional engineer, Musick graduated from South Dakota School of Mines & Technology in electrical engineering.