OFFICERS REELECTED FOR GOVERNOR'S TOURISM ADVISORY BOARD 2025

1/21/2025

PIERRE, S.D. - The South Dakota Governor's Tourism Advisory Board has selected its officers for 2025.

Ann Lesch* of De Smet was reelected the board president during a meeting today in Pierre. Caleb Arceneaux* of Rapid City was reelected vice president.

"The South Dakota Governor's Tourism Advisory Board is composed of top-notch leaders who excel in their respective industries and provide steadfast leadership and commitment to the state's tourism industry," said James Hagen, Secretary of the Department of Tourism. "Their leadership, experience, counsel and unwavering support is felt by our entire industry."

The Tourism Advisory Board is appointed by the Governor and includes members of the tourism industry and citizen representatives from across the state. Board members serve as liaisons and advocates for the tourism industry as well as the Department of Tourism.

Current Tourism Advisory Board members include Caleb Arceneaux, Rapid City; Tom Biegler*, Sioux Falls; John Brockelsby*, Rapid City; Ann Lesch, De Smet; Julie Ranum*, Watertown; Val Rausch*, Big Stone City; Carmen Schramm*, Yankton; Frank Smith, Gettysburg; Ivan Sorbel*, Kyle; Kristi Wagner, Whitewood; and Gwyn* Wathen, Hill City.

The South Dakota Department of Tourism is comprised of Travel South Dakota and the South Dakota Arts Council. The department is led by Secretary James D. Hagen.

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Media Notes: For a high-resolution photo of the Governor's Tourism Advisory Board and elected officers, follow this link.

Photo of all board members:
Left to right: Frank Smith, Gettysburg; Kristi Wagner, Whitewood; Gwyn Wathen, Hill City; Caleb Arceneaux, Rapid City; Ann Lesch, De Smet; John Brockelsby, Rapid City; Julie Ranum, Watertown; Val Rausch, Big Stone City; Carmen Schramm, Yankton

Not pictured:
Tom Biegler, Sioux Falls; Ivan Sorbel, Kyle

Photo of officers:
L to R: Ann Lesch, president, Caleb Arceneaux, vice president

*Arceneaux (AR'-cen-oh)
*Biegler (BEE'-glur)
*Brockelsby (BRAHK'-uhlz-bee)
*Gwyn (GWEHN) *Lesch (LEH'-sh)
*Ranum (RAN'-uhm)
*Rausch (RAH'-ow-sh)
*Schramm (sh-RAM')
*Sorbel (SOR'-bull)

CONTACT

Katlyn Svendsen, Global Public Relations & Content Services Senior Director
Travel South Dakota
Email: [email protected]

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