USD Discovery District Board Names Ryan Oines as President and CEO, Welcomes New Board Members
July 25, 2025
The University of South Dakota Discovery District has announced the appointment of Ryan Oines as its president and CEO.
Oines brings more than a decade of experience in business development, operations and project management. He has served on the USD Discovery District leadership team since 2019, most recently as interim president and CEO after several years as the research district’s chief operating officer. Oines holds an MBA and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Sioux Falls.
“Ryan has played an instrumental role in our work at the USD Discovery District, especially in opening the doors to the first building,” said USD President Sheila K. Gestring. “His expertise, collaborative mindset and passion for innovation will be assets to the research district. I appreciate his leadership as we continue this exciting work of driving innovation and economic growth for South Dakota.”
“It’s an honor to be a part of this organization,” said Oines. “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to continue to work with the board of directors, stakeholders and partners of the USD Discovery District. Our vision of fostering innovation and growth in the biotech and life science space has been supported by so many leaders. As we continue our progress, our team recognizes and appreciates the sacrifices and unwavering dedication that have enabled us to reach this point.”
In addition to naming Oines as president and CEO, the USD Discovery District Board of Directors appointed former South Dakota Representative Linda Duba to her first term. Duba has a history of supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in South Dakota and has held roles in a number of sectors, spanning government, nonprofits, education and business. She holds a degree from South Dakota State University.
Tim Rave, president of the South Dakota Board of Regents and president of the South Dakota Association of Hospital Organizations, and Bobbie Tibbetts, commercial real estate broker, were appointed to their second terms on the board.
“We are pleased to welcome Linda Duba to the USD Discovery District Board of Directors and to continue to benefit from the contributions of Tim Rave and Bobbie Tibbetts,” said Oines. “The leaders on this board all share South Dakota pride and dedication to our mission. With their leadership, the USD Discovery District is well positioned to continue its trajectory of success and reach new heights in innovation.”
About the USD Discovery District
The USD Discovery District is a university-based research district that serves as a hub of innovative research and commercialization in Sioux Falls. The research district emerged from a public-private partnership including the University of South Dakota, the City of Sioux Falls, the South Dakota Board of Regents, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Forward Sioux Falls. The USD Discovery District spans numerous industries, with a particular focus on driving economic growth potential in biotech and life science research.