Aug. 18, 2025

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Hayley Johnson, deputy finance director for Dusty Johnson for Governor.

Name: Hayley Johnson

Age: 27

Hometown: Winner

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

Upon graduation at SDSU, my first full-time job was as a financial adviser at Mutual of Omaha in Sioux Falls.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

The community and amenities. The beauty of Sioux Falls, like anything, is that you get out of it what you put in. When I first moved here, I got very involved in events and connected with many young adults via YPN and my church community. Once you feel like you’re part of a community, it’s hard to imagine going anywhere else.

Also, coming from a small town, it’s nice to have the amenities of a big city without it feeling too big.

What’s your favorite thing about your job? 

My favorite things about my job are the people I get to connect with and the purpose behind the work. Working in a political field isn’t always glamorous, but it’s important work. It helps to work for someone who wakes up every day with the desire to make South Dakota better.

How did you get connected to your industry?

When I was in college, I was handed a poster for a candidate who was coming to speak to a group of college students about running for Congress. When Dusty came in, I could tell he had a different energy and optimism than I’d seen from elected officials before. That day, I wrote my name down to volunteer for his campaign, and as they say, the rest is history.

Describe your workplace in three words.

Fast-paced, collaborative, dynamic.

What is something someone might be surprised to learn about you?

In middle school, I was the drummer for my older brother’s cover band. Were we any good? Depends on who you ask. Our parents thought so.

What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?

During the school year, I spend every Wednesday night leading a girls youth group at Central Church, as well as helping with other miscellaneous church activities and events. Also, I have taught Junior Achievement for the last three school years, teaching third graders about how money moves through a city. You should see their faces when they learn about taxes. Priceless.

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

I don’t think I have a good answer for this. The food and drink options are amazing — and constantly leveling up — the gyms are top-notch, and there’s basically a coffee shop on every corner. I’m quite content.