Our Team
Teri Schmidt
Executive Director
605.373.2030
tschmidt@siouxfalls.com
The CVB team considers visitors to Sioux Falls to be “guests in our home,” and we work hard to create the best Host City in America. It is our goal to be your #1 information resource regardless of the size of group you may be planning for. We stand committed to our “Sioux Falls Promise”: to exceed visitor’s expectations while providing superior hospitality in our city and to continue to be recognized as the “heartbeat” of the region. We hope to see you soon!
Kathie Puthoff
Administrative Assistant
605.373.2032
kputhoff@siouxfalls.com
I am a Sioux Falls native and lifelong resident and it has been a pleasure working for the Convention and Visitors Bureau since 1998. As a representative of the tourism industry in the largest city in South Dakota, I have enjoyed promoting continued interest in Sioux Falls as both a visitor destination or a meeting place for conventions, events or sports. Sioux Falls is the BEST place to live, work, play…or visit!
Krista Orsack, CMP
Director of Sales and Marketing
605.373.2036
korsack@siouxfalls.com
Sioux Falls is my home and I can't wait to share it with you! There are so many things you will enjoy from local boutique shopping, arts and culture, entertainment, original Sioux Falls restaurants and much more. Our team consists of experienced and dedicated staff to ensure your visit to Sioux Falls is seamless in every way. With ten years of experience in the tourism and meeting industry I hope to have the opportunity of personally helping you with anything that you need.
Mattie Burnham
Assistant Director of Sales and Marketing - Religious, Medical/Pharmacy, Direct Selling
605.373.2024
mburnham@siouxfalls.com
As a member of the Sioux Falls CVB staff since 2009, I have grown to love and appreciate the city of Sioux Falls. I enjoy sharing, more like bragging about how much Sioux Falls has to offer and the plethora of entertainment options, annual events and great attractions we have in the city. Everything is very accessible and exudes a hometown, comfortable feel. When I am selling and marketing the city of Sioux Falls I hope you will feel our passion and excitement.
Cathy S. Buchheim
Sales Manager - Group Tour, Events, Reunions, Civic, Ethnic/Cultural Arts, Travel Writers
605.373.2028
cbuchheim@siouxfalls.com
Working in the Sioux Falls community for the past 13 years has allowed me to gain the knowledge and experience I need to help you. I exemplify our CVB mission to treat every group the same no matter the size and try to put myself in your shoes as if I am calling from another city and do not know a thing about Sioux Falls. We are here to save you time, energy, and money. It would be an honor for us to share our city with you.
Blaine Davis
Sales Manager - Sports, Education, Hobbies/Clubs
605.373.2058
bdavis@siouxfalls.com
I was born and raised in Sioux Falls and take great pride in my hometown. As an avid sports fan, my position as Sports and Education Sales Manger is a perfect fit. I am dedicated to assisting groups with all-encompassing services so that together we can bring a wide variety of sporting and education events to the city of Sioux Falls.
Ellie Highstreet
Sales Manager - Agriculture, Corporate, Government, Military
605.373.2039
ehighstreet@siouxfalls.com
Sioux Falls is known for our Midwest hospitality and I am excited to help you experience our exceptional service, enhanced by state of the art facilities to accommodate events of any size. The visitor industry is a vital part of the Sioux Falls business community and provides a huge economic benefit to our economy. It is an exciting time for us here in Sioux Falls, and I look forward to bringing more visitors here to experience the great things we have to offer.
Jay Kaltenbach
Services Manager
605.373.2034
jkaltenbach@siouxfalls.com
Growing up in the Sioux Falls area and graduating from the University of Sioux Falls has allowed me to build a foundation of knowledge to help you during your visit to Sioux Falls. I enjoy working one-on-one with customers to help them achieve their goals. I am lucky to be doing what I love, where I love to do it – right here at the Sioux Falls CVB. I look forward to working with you soon and showcasing all that Sioux Falls has to offer!
Betsy McCarty
Sales Assistant
605.373.2038
emccarty@siouxfalls.com
As a native of Sioux Falls, I have worked in the visitor industry for over seven years. I believe that the CVB is the core and source of the Sioux Falls visitor industry. We roll out the red carpet to any traveler coming to Sioux Falls. It is our goal to promote regional and national meetings and conventions, but also local events and activities for the residents of Sioux Falls. Promoting Sioux Falls as the “Heart of America” really showcases the qualities our town has to offer.
Rachel Crane
Host City Manager
605.373.2026
rcrane@siouxfalls.com
I joined the Convention and Visitors Bureau as Host City Manager in August of 2009. As Host City Manager, I have the pleasure of managing the visitor information centers at The Empire Mall and Falls Park. We are responsible for marketing Sioux Falls as a great location to host any event and act as an unbiased resource for the city. We want you to experience our superb hospitality and show you why Sioux Falls is a #1 Host City!
Shirley Buseman
Receptionist/CVB Assistant
605.373.2040
sbuseman@siouxfalls.com
As the receptionist I think of myself as the first impression of Sioux Falls and the CVB. Giving friendly service with a smile is what we believe in and we want you to feel that whether you are on the phone, contact us by email or walk right in our front door. Answering your questions and promoting Sioux Falls with great, red carpet treatment!
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