1/20/2026
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Governor’s Tourism Advisory Board has selected its new officers.
Caleb Arceneaux* of Rapid City was elected president during a meeting today in Pierre. Val Rausch* of Big Stone City was elected vice president.
“This board represents the very best of South Dakota’s tourism industry,” said James Hagen, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Tourism. “Their leadership, industry expertise, and passion for our state play a critical role in strengthening tourism, supporting local communities, and driving economic impact across South Dakota.”
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 for Travel South Dakota.
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: Julie Ranum, Watertown; Ann Lesch, De Smet; Gwyn Wathen, Hill City; Carmen Schramm, Yankton; Ivan Sorbel, Kyle; Frank Smith, Gettysburg; Kristi Wagner, Whitewood; Val Rausch, Big Stone City; Caleb Arceneaux, Rapid City
Not pictured:
Tom Biegler and John Brockelsby
Photo of officers:
L to R: Val Rausch, vice president; Caleb Arceneaux, president
*Arceneaux (AR’-cen-oh)
*Biegler (BEE’-glur)
*Brockelsby (BRAHK’-uhlz-bee)
*Gwyn (GWEHN) Wathen (WAH’-thun)
*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]