First Sioux Metro Growth Alliance Leadership class roster announced

Sioux Metro Growth Alliance has named 33 members to its inaugural Leadership Sioux Metro class, which includes two Valley Springs residents. They are Brandon Lane, an economic development and community relations executive with Sioux Valley Energy, and Cassy Herding, a Valley Springs City Commissioner.

The eight-month community and professional development program is designed to cultivate local leaders across South Dakota’s small and mid-sized communities.

“We were excited and encouraged by the response to our initial round of applications,” said Tyler Tordsen, president and CEO of Sioux Metro Growth Alliance. “It’s an accomplished group with a diverse range of experiences and expertise, and we’re looking forward to working with them.”

The cohort will meet one day each month to develop skills in communication, culture and economic growth strategies. The program is delivered in partnership with Think 3D Solutions.

“In the coming months, these class members will receive an accredited leadership curriculum combined with the chance to see rural leadership in action,” Tordsen said. “They will benefit from site visits, panels and case studies that showcase how our Sioux Metro communities are addressing real-world challenges.”

Also selected for the first class are:

Valerie Anderson: President, Farmers State Bank, Canton

Rebecca Behnke: Nutrition and facilities director, Active Generations, Sioux Falls

Zach Bendt: Director of operations, Rosenbauer America, Dell Rapids

Tanner Beukelman: Business banker, American Bank & Trust, Sioux Falls

Matt Brockmeier: Vice president of business banking, Plains Commerce Bank, Sioux Falls

Molly Christianson: CEO and executive coach, Empowered Coaching LLC, Sioux Falls

Chinelle Christensen: Culture and training development coordinator, Sioux Valley Energy, Pipestone, Minnesota

Tricia Cook: Realtor and real estate broker, Faith Realty Brokers, Tea

Andrew Curley: Vice president of government relations, Midco, Sioux Falls

Paul DeWeese: Project manager, Terracon Consultants, Alcester

Gene Dickey: Director of donor relations and stewardship, VOA Dakotas, Sioux Falls

Cathy Feste: Manager of human resources and administrative services, Sioux Valley Energy, Flandreau

Ali Gabriel: Vice president of development, South Dakota Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Sioux Falls

Jeff Griffin: President and CEO, Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, Sioux Falls

Tanner Hento: Farmer/producer, Hento Bros., Avon

Jake Holck: Chaplain, St. Croix Hospice, Sioux Falls

Brad Jans: Director of business development, Jans Corporation, Sioux Falls

Jason Kann: Associate principal architect/partner, CO-OP Architecture, Brandon

Erica Locke: Co-founder and principal interior designer, Articulate Interiors LLC, Sioux Falls

Myriam Medina: Program coordinator, SD CEO East Women’s Business Center, Sioux Falls

April Meyerink: Vice president of business development, American Bank & Trust, Sioux Falls

Keith Miller: Senior business banking officer, First Premier Bank, Hartford

Brock Murphy: Risk advisor, North Risk Partners, Sioux Falls

Trevor Pearson: General foreman, Trinity Electric, Harrisburg

Sarah Pepper: Vice president of marketing, Thompson Solutions Group, Sioux Falls

John Reiser: Senior project manager, Journey Construction, Crooks 

Derek Simonsen: Business banker, The First National Bank in Sioux Falls, Baltic 

Nancy Tapken: Director of workshops and continuing education, University of Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls

Kit Talich: Standards engineer, Sioux Valley Energy, Harrisburg 

Tyler Tjeerdsma: Fire inspector, City of Sioux Falls, Brandon

Brooke White: Client relationship leader, KLJ Engineering Inc., Sioux Falls

Leadership Sioux Metro is made possible thanks to the support of these regional organizations: Sioux Valley Energy, First PREMIER Bank, MIDCO, Forward Sioux Falls, SDN Communications, POET, First Bank & Trust, and Sanford Health.

To learn more, visit siouxmetro.com/leadership/