Jan. 8, 2024

Sioux Metro Growth Alliance has added multiple new members to its team.

The organization provides economic development support to the Sioux Falls metro area, serving 16 member municipalities in the four-county region with member services, annual stakeholder events and enhanced membership offerings.

President and CEO Tyler Tordsen took on the lead role late last year and now has put key members of his team in place.

“At the regional level, SMGA continues to serve as the ultimate resource partner. We work with everyone,” Tordsen said in a news release. “And although the Sioux Metro packs a power punch when looking at what we can offer when working together, we recognize each of our communities have their own legacy, identity and strengths. This requires us to deploy an ‘all-of-the-above’ strategy when we talk about growth and meeting our members where they are.”

Members of the team include:

• Chris Fields, who is joining SMGA later this month as an economic development and member relations specialist. He has more than 20 years of experience in customer service, sales and leadership.

• Bryce Healy, who recently joined SMGA as an economic development and member relations specialist. He previously served for more than a decade as the executive director of the Associated General Contractors of South Dakota, gaining economic development experience working with the organization’s members, developers and industry leaders. “I’m looking forward to working together with the community leaders from across the SMGA footprint,” Healy said. “SMGA has the vision, passion and strategy to foster responsible, positive growth for its member communities.”

• Karen Ruhland will join the SMGA team on a limited basis to provide assistance with regional research and administrative support. She also will continue in her role as director of research, membership and communications with the Sioux Falls Development Foundation.

• Ryan Solberg has been with SMGA since April 2021 and serves as the lead economic development manager for the communities of Lennox, Worthing and Salem. Solberg provides technical expertise on economic development needs for SMGA’s enhanced membership communities and for the organization’s regional membership overall.

“I’m really excited for what 2024 has in store for the Sioux Metro, especially with our new team in place,” Tordsen said. “Our communities have a strong growth trajectory, and SMGA will be there every step of the way for our partners. We’re just getting started.”