Oct. 1, 2025

This piece is sponsored by Sioux Metro Growth Alliance.

A community leadership journey that began as a football captain of Beresford’s state championship team and led to three decades in city government administration is coming to a close.

Jerry Zeimetz retires this fall as Beresford’s city administrator, concluding a career that began when he served as deputy finance officer from 1990 to 1991, then continued when he served on the Beresford City Council from 1992 t0 1993. A Beresford native, he became the community’s first city administrator in October 1999.

“I’ve watched Beresford transform from a small town with potential into a community that is truly thriving,” he said.

“We’ve seen steady population growth, but more importantly, we’ve seen growth in opportunities, amenities and pride in our community. Beresford has become a place where families want to live, businesses want to invest and visitors want to return.”

Zeimetz served with dedication and vision, Mayor Eli Seeley said.

“His leadership has driven numerous communitywide improvements, from strengthening essential services to enhancing quality of life for residents,” Seeley said.

“Jerry’s steady hand has positioned Beresford for growth and ensured the foundation is in place for future success. The city is deeply grateful for his decades of service and the legacy he leaves behind.”

Photo via Roger Anderson

Under Zeimetz’s leadership, Beresford has expanded its industrial park and brought in new businesses, creating jobs and strengthening the local economy.

“That growth has given Beresford a more stable financial base and positioned us for future success,” Zeimetz said.

The community also has seen a new wastewater system, a communitywide sewer project, fiber-to-the-home service and a new 55-home housing development.

Upgrades to Volunteer Park — including new ball fields, playgrounds, restrooms and concession stands — have turned it into a hub for families and youth sports.

The Bridges at Beresford golf course and clubhouse also have become a true asset, not just for recreation but also for tourism and community events.

“I’ve been especially proud of how the community pulls together during challenges, like the storm cleanup after the major windstorm last July. Our departments and citizens stepped up side by side, and that spirit of teamwork is one of Beresford’s greatest strengths, along with building a strong team that residents can count on, whether it’s day-to-day services or stepping up together after a major storm,” Zeimetz said.

“To me, the biggest change has been seeing Beresford’s identity shift from being ‘just a small town’ to being a community that knows its value and invests in its future. That evolution — toward confidence, opportunity and pride — has been the most rewarding part of my time serving here.”

Beresford also increasingly has become more connected to the broader Sioux Falls metro area, including becoming part of Sioux Metro Growth Alliance.

“That’s been a real benefit. As Sioux Falls continues to grow, communities like Beresford are seeing new opportunities for housing, business expansion and access to regional amenities. We’re close enough to take advantage of the jobs, health care and cultural offerings of Sioux Falls but still maintain the small-town quality of life that people value,” Zeimetz said.

“The benefit is twofold: We can attract new families and businesses who want that balance of proximity and community, and we also strengthen our own local economy by being part of a larger regional network. In many ways, Beresford has positioned itself as a ‘gateway’ community — connected, accessible and ready for growth.”

The relationship is a win-win, said Tyler Tordsen, president and CEO of Sioux Metro Growth Alliance.

“We’ve really enjoyed being able to support Beresford and get to know the community better,” he said. “There’s a lot of momentum here — much of that due to leadership like Jerry has provided for years. He’s a strong example of leadership for our metro communities, and we’re looking forward to working with Beresford’s next generation of leadership.”

Zeimetz will be succeeded as city administrator by Jason Anderson, who begins his new job today. Anderson grew up about 20 miles east in Hawarden, Iowa, and his parents moved to Beresford several years ago.

He most recently served as director of workforce and economic development at Northwest Iowa Community College in Sheldon, Iowa, and previously served as community development director for Hawarden.

“I really liked the pieces in place in Beresford,” he said. “They have a nice team of department heads, and the City Council and mayor were really appealing. They have the building blocks in place. It’s an important location with infrastructure in place and the right community mindset, which drew me to the position.”

He sees “quite a bit of potential” and plans to continue building on strategic planning that already has begun, he said.

“We have to look at the pieces that need to come together, whether it’s housing or an economic development plan for incentives, as well as amenities,” Anderson said.

“I like that Beresford has its own community feel, but it’s close enough to the metro that it has other opportunities there as well. It was very evident to me that Jerry has put his thumbprint in a positive direction on a lot of things. There’s a lot of momentum. It’s not like I’m starting from scratch, and Jerry deserves a lot of credit for that.”

From the mayor’s perspective, “Jason brings a wealth of experience in economic development and leadership, with a proven record of building partnerships and fostering growth. His knowledge and energy will allow him to quickly get up to speed, and his perspective will be invaluable as Beresford continues to thrive,” Seeley said.

“We look forward to Jason carrying forward the momentum Jerry established and multiplying it for the good of the community.”

In retirement, Zeimetz and his wife, Carla, plan to remain in Beresford.

“I plan to spend more time with my grandchildren and stay involved by helping my son with his businesses here in town. And yes, I’ll remain in Beresford — it’s home, and I’m excited to enjoy the community from a new perspective.”