1/16/2024
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Governor’s Tourism Advisory Board has selected its officers for 2024.
Ann Lesch* of De Smet was elected the board president during a meeting today in Pierre. Caleb Arceneaux* was elected vice president.
“We are grateful for the faithful service and commitment of the Governor’s Tourism Advisory Board,” said James Hagen, Secretary of the Department of Tourism. “To have leaders like these who care so deeply about our state and this tourism industry is valuable. The leadership, experience, and knowledge of this industry is incredibly important, and their unwavering support is felt by many.”
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; Ted Hustead*, Wall; Ann Lesch, De Smet; Julie Ranum*, Watertown; Val Rausch*, Big Stone City; Carmen Schramm*, Yankton; Frank Smith, Gettysburg; Ivan Sorbel*, Kyle; and Kristi Wagner, Whitewood.
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:
Front row left to right: Ann Lesch, De Smet; Frank Smith, Gettysburg; Caleb Arceneaux, Rapid City
Back row left to right: Ivan Sorbel, Kyle; John Brockelsby, Rapid City; Carmen Schramm, Yankton; Val Rausch, Big Stone City; Tom Biegler, Sioux Falls
Not pictured:
Ted Hustead, Wall; Julie Ranum, Watertown; Kristi Wagner, Whitewood
Photo of officers:
L to R: Ann Lesch, president, Caleb Arceneaux, vice president
*Arceneaux (AR’-cen-oh)
*Biegler (BEE’-glur)
*Brockelsby (BRAHK’-uhlz-bee)
*Hustead (HYOO’-sted)
*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]