BOARD OF DIRECTORS & STAFF

Tyler Tordsen serves as president and CEO of Sioux Metro Growth Alliance, leading regional economic development efforts across communities in southeastern South Dakota. A lifelong South Dakotan and enrolled member of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe, he brings extensive experience in public service, community engagement and government relations. Before joining SMGA, Tyler served eight years on U.S. Senator Mike Rounds’ staff and represented District 14 in the South Dakota House of Representatives. A University of South Dakota graduate, he is passionate about strengthening communities, building partnerships and creating opportunities for responsible growth throughout the Sioux Metro region.

Hayley Johnson serves as director of operations for Sioux Metro Growth Alliance, overseeing organizational operations while supporting communications, public engagement and events. A Winner, South Dakota, native and South Dakota State University graduate, she brings experience in finance, relationship building, campaign operations and public service. Before joining SMGA, Hayley held leadership roles with Congressman Dusty Johnson’s organization. She is passionate about strengthening communities, developing leaders and building connections that create meaningful regional impact. Outside of work, she teaches fitness classes, volunteers with her church and enjoys spending time with her husband, Jeremiah.

·    Bryce joined the SMGA team in late 2023 as an Economic Development & Member Relations Specialist. Healy joins SMGA with over a decade of leadership as the Executive Director of the Associated General Contractors of South Dakota. There he gained invaluable economic development experience as he worked with AGC-SD’s membership, developers, and industry experts. Healy is looking forward to bringing his talents and expertise to SGMA and is eager to help empower regional growth.

·     Chris Fields is originally from Overland Park, KS, near the Kansas City Metro. Upon graduating high school, Fields attended the University of Kansas, earning his bachelor’s degree in Political Science. While at KU, he served as the Risk Management Chair as a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, as well as served as an intern in the State of Kansas Senate for Sen. Pete Brungardt (Saline County).

      Recently, Fields received his Master’s of Public Administration, with honors, from Bellevue University. Along with his B.A. and MPA, he also brings to SMGA a wealth of knowledge in sales, customer service, and leadership.

      Fields and his wife, Sarah reside in Tea, along with their five children – Caydence, Connor, Eli, Olivia and Gabriel.

Joshua Chase is a lifelong South Dakotan who joined the SMGA team in 2024. He graduated from Dell Rapids Public HS in 2018 and holds two degrees from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. Joshua earned his BA in Political Science in 2023 and graduated from USD’s Accelerated Master of Public Administration program in 2024.

While in college, Joshua interned for Ho-Chunk Inc., a tribally-owned economic development company in Winnebago, NE, U.S. Senator Mike Rounds’ Offices in Sioux Falls, Pierre, and Washington, DC, as well as serving as an intern to the Majority Leader in the South Dakota Senate for the 99th Legislature.

Berk Ehrmantraut serves as an economic development specialist for Sioux Metro Growth Alliance, supporting communities and advancing development initiatives throughout the region. A Beresford native, he brings extensive experience in community research, policy and organizational operations. Before joining SMGA, Berk served as director of policy and communities for PorchLight, where his work included housing and childcare studies for Hartford, Salem, Lennox, Harrisburg and Alcester. In his role with SMGA, Berk leads economic development efforts for Hartford and Garretson while helping communities across the Sioux Metro address challenges, identify opportunities and plan for sustainable growth.

Marcus Mahlen joined NAI Sioux Falls in February of 2017 as a broker associate. Since the beginning of his time at NAI Sioux Falls, negotiating his first deal at the age of 23, Marcus has shown a passion for putting his client first. His strong work ethic and ability to form strong personal connections in the community has allowed him to work on a number of significant projects for the firm. Marcus’ accomplishments include being involved in the Deal of the Year for 2018 & 2023, and being named the Broker of the Year in 2022 & 2023. His expertise primarily involves investment sales and leasing in the industrial, office, and retail asset classes. Marcus also serves the Sioux Metro region in his capacity as Past Chairman of the Harrisburg Economic Development Corporation. 

Tony has been involved in the construction industry for over 25 years. Self-motivated and charismatic, Tony constantly strives to better himself, people around him, and construction projects he is involved with. Tony knows construction and the Construction Management process. Construction is a fluid and ever-changing process filled with eclectic issues and personnel. Using exceptional communication skills and keen senses of adaptability, Tony channels projects, and team members into their most efficient flow.

Commissioner Dean Karsky was first elected to the Minnehaha County, South Dakota Board of Commissioners in 2016. Prior to serving on the board of commissioners, Commissioner Karsky was a Sioux Falls City Council member from 2011 to 2016. Commissioner Karsky is an active member in church, professional, service and business organizations, having served on the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Past President of the Sioux Falls Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, Character Counts, SME Executive Board and St. Michael’s Parish Council. Since the inception of The Link community triage center, Commissioner Karsky has served as its board vice president. In addition to his role as county commissioner, Commissioner Karsky is an insurance agency owner. He received an associates degree from the Community College of the Air Force, bachelor’s degree from Troy State University and undertook graduate studies at the University of South Dakota.

Andrew leads Midco's government relations team and is responsible for all government relations efforts at the local, state and federal level. He represents the company before government bodies and develops strategic, external partnerships on behalf of Midco. Prior to joining Midco in 2019, Andrew spent nearly a decade in government and political advocacy work. He has a bachelor's degree in political science from St. John's University in Collegeville, MN. Andrew is a graduate of the Leadership Sioux Falls program and is an active community leader, serving as a member of both the Minnesota and Wisconsin Cable Communications Associations' Boards, the EmBe Board, the Greater Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Issues Management Council, and chairs the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance Member Advisory Board.

Mike Jaspers joined the East River Electric team in July of 2018, following two years of service as South Dakota’s Secretary of Agriculture.  As Business Development Director, Mike leads efforts to expand opportunities for existing members of the rural electric cooperative system, as well as recruiting and assisting new members through economic development growth.

Previously, Mike as served as the South Dakota State Director for USDA/Rural Development and was a member of the SD state legislature for 8 years, serving in both the House and Senate. 

Jay Buchholz is currently the Manager of Public Relations for Sioux Valley Energy, a distribution cooperative in the Sioux Falls, South Dakota metro area. He leads and coaches a team of four individuals from economic & community development, PR coordinator, to communication specialists. Jay has been involved in SVE’s key account program since 2017.

Before entering utilities, Jay worked for South Dakota’s legacy TV station KELOLAND Media Group for over a decade as a sales executive and promoted to Local Sales Manager. Jay earned his associate’s degree in satellite communications from Mitchell Technical College in 2000 operating a news satellite truck on the east coast prior to completing his bachelor’s degree at South Dakota State University.

Being an adoptee himself, Jay and his wife Sheri have adopted all 5 of their children domestically and are currently licensed foster parents. Jay gives back to the Sioux Metro through a variety of volunteer service commitments including serving on the Brandon Area Development Foundation's board of directors.

Sharese Ihnen is a Lennox-area real estate professional and president of the Lennox Area Development Corporation. A graduate of the University of South Dakota, she serves as a broker associate with Hegg Realtors and brings extensive experience helping individuals and families navigate the regional housing market. Through her professional work and community leadership, Sharese is passionate about building relationships, supporting responsible growth and creating new opportunities for Lennox. Her knowledge of real estate, housing and the local community makes her a valuable advocate for Lennox and the broader Sioux Metro region.

Jeff Eckhoff most recently served as director of planning and development services for the City of Sioux Falls from May 2019 to May 2026. His department was responsible for planning, zoning, building services, housing, transit, neighborhood revitalization, code compliance, historic preservations, and the visual arts commission. Jeff’s career path included 16 years as executive director of the Lincoln and Minnehaha County Economic Development Associations and seven years as state director of the South Dakota Small Business Development Center. He earned a bachelor’s degree at South Dakota State University and a master’s degree at the University of South Dakota.

Mike Wendland is the Development Director for Grant Park Capital, LLC.  Mike graduated from Augustana College and worked for Citi for 31 years.  While working at Citi, Mike also served 4 years on the city council for the City of Baltic and then 18 years as the Mayor.  Mike then became the City Administrator and Economic Development Director for the City of Baltic.  Mike served on the Board of Directors and the President of the Board of Directors for the South Dakota Municipal League. Mike received the Excellence in Municipal Government Award.  Mike and his wife Dawn have three children.