Downtown museum names new executive director

May 8, 2019

The Museum of Visual Materials in downtown Sioux Falls has named a new executive director.

Taryn Sietsema will begin her new role at the museum May 20.

She served as the executive director at the Sioux Falls Area CASA Program until 2018 and at Dakota Alliance Soccer Club through March 2019. She has almost 15 years of nonprofit experience in the Sioux Falls community.

“Taryn will be a wonderful asset for the museum,” said Janet Kittams, chair of the Museum of Visual Materials board of directors and president at the Helpline Center. “She has extensive nonprofit experience, a passion for the work and strong community relations that will take the museum to the next level.”

The Museum of Visual Materials has three core areas of mission work, including children, family and adult education and activities, nonprofit partnerships and facility rentals. As executive director, Sietsema will be responsible for creating partnerships and relationships with the community. Her duties include staff and operational management, strategic planning and development in addition to managing the museum’s historic facility.

She replaces Miranda Ochocki, who has led the museum since 2015.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Museum of Visual Materials. I love the mission of the organization and look forward to meeting the guests and donors, and connecting more of the community to come learn, play, create and celebrate with us. I look forward to building upon all the great things that Miranda, the staff and the board have accomplished the past four years and am excited to be a part of the downtown community,” Sietsema said.

Ochocki is returning to her business, Beyond Social, full time in June.

“I want to pass along my sincerest thanks to all who have been so supportive over the past four years: the staff, vendors, guests and donors. You have helped the museum blossom into the vibrant organization it is today. I am humbled and honored to have served this amazing organization and will watch with excitement in the museum’s next phase with Taryn at the helm to create a better place for people to learn, play, create and celebrate,” Ochocki said.

The Museum of Visual Materials opened in 2007 after a two-year renovation project of the building at 500 N. Main Ave.

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Downtown museum names new executive director

The Museum of Visual Materials in downtown Sioux Falls has named a new executive director.

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