Jafar Karim

Jafar Karim has a robust background in governmental and corporate affairs, currently serving as the Director of Governmental Affairs and previously as the Director of Corporate Affairs at Black Hills Energy since 2009. Prior roles include State Director for USDA - Rural Development in 2008, Public Affairs Manager at Cedar American Rail Holdings, and Director at the SD Governor's Office of Economic Development. Jafar also held significant positions such as National Coalitions Director for Bush-Cheney '04, Deputy White House Liaison at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Legislative Director & Chief of Staff for U.S. Congressman John Thune. Jafar began their career as a Staff Assistant in the United States Senate and earned a Bachelor of Liberal Studies degree from the University of South Dakota.