Career
He served as a deputy representative to the Norwegian Parliament from Rogaland during the terms 1985–1989 and 1993–1997. On the local level, Sevland has been mayor of Stavanger from 1995-2011. He chaired the party chapter in Stavanger from 1989 to 1994 and the county chapter from 1994 to 1998.
He graduated from Rogaland University College (now named University of Stavanger) in 1983.
Before entering politics he worked at the trotting track Forus, from 1989 to 1994 as manager.