Washington, D.C. —  Senator John Thune has announced that Jafar Karim of Sioux Falls has been nominated by President Bush to serve as South Dakota State Director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Office of Rural Development. Karim was recommended for the position by Senator Thune.

"Jafar's experience with economic development issues will make him a valuable asset at the USDA Rural Development office," said Thune. "South Dakota is fortunate to have someone with Jafar's understanding of the state's strengths and needs in this position."

Karim comes to USDA's Office of Rural Development from his post as Public Affairs Manager for the Dakota, Minnesota, and Eastern Railroad. Prior to that, he was the director of the Governor's Office of Economic Development under Governor Rounds. Before returning to South Dakota, Karim spent several years in Washington, D.C., where he served on the staff of then-Congressman John Thune, working on several projects and policies impacting South Dakota.

Karim will begin his duties at USDA later this month. Karim follows Mike Jaspers of Sioux Falls, who announced last month that he was stepping down.

Karim, a Pierre native, currently lives in Sioux Falls. He is a graduate of the University of South Dakota.