Steve Kirby is a founding partner of Bluestem Capital Company. He is a graduate of Arizona State University with a BS Degree in Political Science and a graduate of the University of South Dakota School of Law with a Juris Doctorate Degree. Mr. Kirby was secretary and senior claims counsel for Western Surety Company, a national surety bond company, from 1977-1992. He was the 35th Lieutenant Governor of the State of South Dakota from 1993 through 1995. He was also a candidate for Governor of South Dakota in 2001-2002. Mr. Kirby is a member of local, state and national Boards of Directors. He is a speaker at various entrepreneurial and college forums.  In 2007 Steve was recognized with the Spirit of Enterprise Award from South Dakota’s Enterprise Institute for his commitment, dedication and achievements in entrepreneurship.  Steve has also been awarded the 2007 Spirit of Sioux Falls in recognition of his leadership and economic development in Sioux Falls. In 2010 he received the USD Financial Management Associations Outstanding Financial Executive award.  Steve is married to Suzette (Hustead)  and their children are: a son Jon and his wife Tracy and family living in Colorado, a daughter Kelly who is a graduate of the University of Saint Thomas Law School, and daughter Katherine who is attending Bethel University.