Sioux Metro Growth Alliance announces key new team members

Sioux Metro Growth Alliance, a nonprofit economic development organization serving the greater Sioux Falls metro area, has added two key members to its team.

Hayley Johnson — Director of Operations

An established leader with a strong and well-rounded background in economics, political science, finance and communications, Hayley Johnson will serve as SMGA’s new director of operations.

Johnson’s role will help strengthen internal processes, create efficiencies and address marketing and communications strategy.

“This is a critical role for growing and supporting our organization,” SMGA president and CEO Tyler Tordsen said.

“Hayley is a talented relationship-builder with a wide range of skills who will make an immediate impact and help us further hone our operations while more intentionally telling our story.”

Johnson most recently served in various leadership roles for U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson.

Berk Ehrmantraut — Economic Development Specialist

SMGA will strengthen its economic development team this month with the addition of specialist Berk Ehrmantraut.

A native of Beresford, he currently serves as director of policy and communities for PorchLight, a position in which he has played a central role in operations and community research. No stranger to the Sioux Metro, his previous work includes Hartford’s comprehensive housing study in 2023, Salem’s childcare study in 2024, housing studies for Lennox and Harrisburg last year and a current housing study for Alcester.

Ehrmantraut’s immediate priority will be to serve the community of Hartford through a newly finalized economic development management services contract with SMGA.

“This is an important expansion of our work and another strong demonstration of the value our organization provides to communities throughout the region,” Tordsen said.

“Berk is an ideal resource to guide this next chapter in Hartford and will support additional economic development work throughout the region as our efforts continue to expand. His firsthand experience and deep understanding of regional growth make him an outstanding addition to our team.”

SMGA continues to build on its 36-year history of supporting economic growth in the region, with 17 member municipalities and a growing number of corporate investors and related stakeholders.

“These hires represent a meaningful investment in SMGA’s capacity, effectiveness and future,” Tordsen said.

“I’m excited about the team we are building and the additional value we will be able to provide our members throughout the region.”