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Sioux Falls, SD (August 4, 2015)-

The South Dakota Democratic Party has hired a new Executive Director and Compliance Director effective August 3, 2015. Suzanne Jones Pranger will serve as the Party’s Executive Director, and Samuel Parkinson will serve as Compliance Director.

“We are excited to welcome new staff to the Party,” Ann Tornberg, Chair of the South Dakota Democratic Party said. “Suzanne Jones Pranger is an attorney with experience in Democratic political campaigns and issues. A proud fifth generation South Dakotan, Jones Pranger will bring political experience, an exceptional work ethic, professionalism, and passion for the values of our Party to the Executive Director position. Samuel Parkinson will take on compliance duties. He too has a political background having worked as an intern for Democratic Legislators in Pierre. We are pleased with our ability to expand full time staff in preparation for the 2016 Election.”

Suzanne Jones Pranger holds a Juris Doctorate, a Master of Arts in Political Science emphasizing American Politics and Public Policy, and a Bachelor of Science degree, all from the University of South Dakota. Jones Pranger has worked extensively with high ranking Democrats at the state and national level as staff to Senate Democrats in the State Legislature, through internships in Senator Tim Johnson and Representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin’s Washington, D.C. offices, as an intern for Representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin’s Congressional campaign, and as a volunteer for numerous state and local campaigns. Jones Pranger was selected as a 2014 Democratic National Committee HOPE Fellow for her work with the Democratic Party.

Samuel Parkinson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Dakota, double majoring in Political Science and Communications Studies. He also studied abroad at the University of Belgrano in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Parkinson interned in the South Dakota Legislature for House Minority Leader Bernie Hunhoff and was a Young Elected Legislative Leaders Fellow during the 2014 election cycle. Parkinson also worked as an online and education intern for South Dakota Public Broadcasting, interned at Black Hills Knowledge Network, and worked as a journalist at Season-2.com.

 

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