Lt Gov Ericka Flanigan

A Life of Service, Scholarship, and South Dakota Grit

Growing Up South Dakotan

Ericka was born in Mitchell and raised on her family’s sheep ranch west of Fort Pierre. Her earliest years were shaped by resilience: her family lived in a barn for over a year while their home was being built, hauling drinking water from town and using an outhouse behind the barn. That upbringing taught her hard work, responsibility, and the value of opportunity.

Ericka’s family history is deeply rooted in South Dakota. Her great-grandfather immigrated from Sweden, her grandmother was a first-generation Norwegian American, her grandfather served in the U.S. Navy during WWII, and her father served in the South Dakota National Guard. Today, Ericka continues to help manage her family’s ranchland near the Oahe Dam.

Education & Academic Achievement

Ericka is one of South Dakota’s most academically accomplished veterans. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Communications from South Dakota State University in 1995, graduating with minors in Spanish, Music, and Aerospace.

She continued her education with distinction, earning:

M.S. in Broadcast Journalism, American University, Washington, D.C.
M.A., Air Command & Staff College, Air University
M.A., School of Advanced Air & Space Studies, Air University

Ericka is also a published author whose work focuses on modern warfare, national resilience, and global security.

Military Resume

30 Years of Distinguished Military Service

Ericka proudly served 30 years in the United States Air Force, retiring as a disabled veteran. Her career included strategic leadership positions, advanced operational planning, and contributions to national security policy. She served internationally, trained future leaders, and shaped defense strategy at some of the Air Force’s most elite institutions.

Landowner, Rancher & Community Member

In addition to her service, Ericka is a long-time South Dakota landowner. She and her family manage ranchland near Fort Pierre and maintain five properties in South Dakota and two in Nebraska. Her connection to the land runs deep — a reflection of her commitment to the state’s rural communities and agricultural heritage.

Family & Personal Life

Ericka’s husband, Vance, is a lifelong law enforcement officer and currently works for the Dept of Health.

Together, they are raising three children:

Nolan – SDSU Aviation major and member of the South Dakota Air National Guard
Eli – SDSU Engineering Department, studying Construction Management
Megan – 7th grader, born in Germany during overseas service and learning German

Ericka is a servant leader, a patriot, and a proud South Dakotan — ready to serve her state with integrity, experience, and heart.