Sept. 27, 2023

A state legislator and member of Sen. Mike Rounds’ staff has been named the new president and CEO of Sioux Metro Growth Alliance.

Tyler Tordsen will take on the role starting Oct. 23.

He joins SMGA following more than eight years of serving as Rounds’ southeast regional director and state director of tribal affairs.

“Over these past couple of months, our executive board experienced firsthand just a small piece of what it takes to support the needs of 16 rural and suburban municipalities in the four counties that make up the Sioux Falls metropolitan statistical area,” SMGA chair Jay Buchholz said in a statement. “Tyler’s experience building teams, connecting resources and navigating economic policies will be a tremendous asset to SMGA and our members.”

Tordsen replaces Jesse Fonkert, who now is the deputy commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development.

Tordsen describes himself as “an SMGA superfan” since connecting with the organization years ago.

“When you look at South Dakota’s growth, most of it is right here in these communities that make up the Sioux Metro,” he said. “This new chapter is a great opportunity for me to help with retention and expansion but most importantly getting to know our members on a personal level. SMGA brings many people from different industries, communities and perspectives together for one common goal: supporting the growth of our state and area. I am excited to lead and direct the organization’s initiatives in driving that growth, fostering collaboration and building a united and prosperous metro region.”

Tordsen is a lifelong South Dakotan who was born in Sioux Falls, grew up in Rapid City and is an enrolled member of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and economics from the University of South Dakota.

In 2022, he was elected to the South Dakota House of Representatives for District 14 and is a member of the Education and Judiciary committees. He also serves as a commissioner to the Midwestern Higher Education Compact representing South Dakota, along with being selected as a 2023 National Conference of State Legislatures Youth Homelessness Fellow.

Some of Tordsen’s first tasks will include organizational strategic planning, current programming and staffing. The organization’s vice president of engagement, Miranda Basye, is departing Oct. 6.