July 19, 2023

Sioux Metro Growth Alliance is looking for a new president and CEO as its leader is leaving for other opportunities.

Jesse Fonkert will be leaving at the end of August after more than three years of leading the state’s largest regional economic development organization.

SMGA serves the economic development needs of 16 rural and suburban municipalities in the four counties that make up the Sioux Falls metropolitan statistical area. It formed in 2021 as a merger between the Lincoln County and Minnehaha County economic development associations.

“We’re grateful for Fonkert’s leadership of SMGA and wish him the best in his next position,” SMGA chair Jay Buchholz said in a statement. “The board’s focus now is selecting a president and CEO that can guide the organization into its next chapter, serve the needs of the membership base and lead the five-person staff.”

The next president and CEO will design, carry out, manage and direct economic development programs deemed appropriate by the board of directors. The role oversees marketing/public relations, facility/real estate options for business development, association development and member services. The president and CEO reports directly to the SMGA board of directors for direction, accountability and management of the staff.

“It has been an honor to serve as, first, executive director of the combined Lincoln and Minnehaha County economic development associations and now as the president and CEO of SMGA,” Fonkert said. “The success of our organization is thanks to the dedication of our staff, boards and members of SMGA. I am excited for what the future holds for the economic development of this region and the continued progress of the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance.”

To apply for the position, email a cover letter addressed to Jay Buchholz, a resume and list of references to [email protected]. Click here to review the job description.