Jan. 9, 2024

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Katelyn Conover, the chief marketing officer for Montgomery’s.

Name: Katelyn Conover

Age: 31

Hometown: Baltic

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

While I was finishing up my undergraduate education at the University of South Dakota, I knew I wanted opportunities to learn and grow in my marketing knowledge and skills. My now husband and I worked to align our industries and passions to ensure there would be equal opportunity for each of us. We landed on Sioux Falls due to the incredible growth of the city.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

I truly believe that Sioux Falls is a special community. We are continuing to grow and evolve each year. From the activities, food and fun that is offered, there’s no doubt Sioux Falls is our forever home!

What’s your favorite thing about your new role?

The Montgomery’s team has been incredibly welcoming. The rich history of the organization and the unmatched customer service is something I really admired and wanted to be a part of. Montgomery’s has been in South Dakota for 135 years — one full year before South Dakota was founded as a state! I’m proud to help tell the story about who we are, how we support our local communities and the unmatched quality we provide to customers across the region.

How did you get connected to your industry? 

I always get odd glances when I tell people why I decided to be a marketer! I was in high school and had my sights set on becoming a physician. My grandfather stopped me when I was discussing my career aspirations and told me my gift for communication would not be utilized to the fullest in medicine. He suggested a career in marketing. I took that advice and never looked back!

Describe your workplace in three words.

Steadfast, generous and stylish.

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

Part of the reason why Sioux Falls was chosen as our home was due to my figure skating career. I was a competitive figure skater growing up and paid for my undergraduate education in part due to my coaching at the Yankton Area Ice Association. After moving to Sioux Falls, I coached for the Sioux Falls Figure Skating Club for five years.

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

I currently serve on the board of directors for the Sioux Falls Figure Skating Club, and I am a Sunday school teacher at my church.

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

Sioux Falls is home to amazing local businesses! If I were to choose a chain to come to town, I’d have to say Bojangles (a fried chicken regional chain). Every time I plan a trip to the southern United States, I’m always searching for the nearest location!

If you had $1 million to start a business, what kind of business would it be?

With $1 million, I’d want to start a marketing agency that would support nonprofits to better tell their stories and engage donors.