South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds  today announced the appointment of Circuit Judge Glen A. Severson of Sioux Falls to the South Dakota Supreme Court. Severson, 59, has been the presiding judge in the Second Judicial Circuit since 2002, and now fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Richard W. Sabers.

"Glen Severson is a well-respected, presiding Circuit Court judge," Rounds said Thursday. "He is a seasoned jurist who will provide fair and reasoned analysis and legal decisions with the utmost trust and integrity."

Severson, who was an electronics technician in the South Dakota Air National Guard from 1967-1973, also has served for 10 years on a state court system committee that specializes in information technology.

"Judge Severson has been requested on numerous occasions to participate in state Supreme Court proceedings and has been instrumental in providing expertise for various Unified Judicial System projects and endeavors," Rounds said.

"I am humbled and overwhelmed by the governor's confidence in me," Severson said. "I'll do my best to fulfill my responsibilities for the people of South Dakota."