Linn Evans joins SDSTA Board of Directors

Linn Evans, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Black Hills Corporation, was appointed to the South Dakota Science and Technology (SDSTA) Board of Directors in late January by South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden.

SDSTA was created in 2004 by the South Dakota Legislature as the owner and operator of the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF). 

Evans brings deep operations management experience within the mining industry in underground gold, iron ore, lead, and zinc mines throughout North and South America. 

He became a member of the Black Hills Corporation Board of Directors in 2018 and was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Black Hills Corporation in January 2019. Prior to being named CEO, Mr. Evans served as President and Chief Operating Officer from 2016 to 2018, and President and Chief Operating Officer – Utilities from 2004 to 2015. Joining Black Hills Corp. in 2001, Mr. Evans also served Black Hills Corp. as Associate General Counsel, and Vice President and General Manager of the company’s telecommunications, cable television and internet services business, Black Hills FiberCom.

Prior to joining Black Hills Corporation, Evans practiced law with private firms representing international mining companies in various areas, including corporate law, local, state and federal permitting, property rights, mineral taxation, eminent domain, and civil and regulatory litigation. 

“Linn Evans is uniquely positioned to serve on the SDSTA board. He has experience in underground mining, and he worked for Homestake prior to attending law school. Linn also has a family history in the Lead Deadwood area,” said Casey Peterson, SDSTA Board Chair. “We look forward to the impact his CEO experience will have on our mission to advance world-class science and inspire learning across generations.” 

Evans represents Black Hills Corporation on the boards of the Edison Electric Institute and the American Gas Association. He also serves on the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology University Advisory Board and the Sanford Underground Research Facility Foundation Board.  Evans holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering from Missouri Science & Technology, and a Juris Doctor degree from the Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College, with a Certificate in Environmental and Natural Resources Law. 

“Linn has been a great partner over the years as the leader of Black Hills Energy. I’m excited to work with him and get his perspectives on managing large, complex organizations as we advance our mission at America’s Underground Lab,” said Mike Headley, SDSTA executive director and SURF laboratory director. 

Evans fills the seat held by Dr. Chris Fall, former director of the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science, who served full terms on both the SDSTA Board of Directors and the SURF Foundation Board of Directors.