Harms Elected to Lead South Dakota Retailers Association

Northeast Radio SD News – South Dakota - The South Dakota Retailers Association (SDRA) has announced the election of Jason Harms as the organization’s new Board President. The transition took place during the association’s annual meeting held on Thursday in Pierre.

Harms, representing Harms Oil in Brookings, takes the helm of one of the largest state retail organizations in the country. In his new role, he will lead the Board of Directors in setting policy positions and operational goals for the nearly 4,000-member association.

Harms is a veteran of the organization, having served on the board for nearly 10 years.

“During my time with the Retailers, the association’s positive impact on the state’s business community has been apparent,” Harms said. “I look forward to continuing the mission of keeping South Dakota businesses strong.”

Harms succeeds Sarah Hustead of Wall Drug, who served as president through 2025 and will now remain on the board as Past-President.

New Leadership and Local Representation

The election also brought new representation for the Watertown business community. Lisa Converse of Element in Watertown was elected to serve her first term on the Board of Directors.

Other newly elected board officers include:

·        President-Elect: David Mickelson, Graham Tire (Sioux Falls)

·        Secretary-Treasurer: Nate Kessler, Lamont Companies (Aberdeen)

Executive Director Nathan Sanderson expressed high confidence in the 2026 leadership team, describing the group as “some of the state’s best business minds.”

Board Transitions

In addition to Converse, the board welcomed several other first-term members, including Jerad Appel (Agtegra, Aberdeen), Cody Haiar (Frontier Motors, Winner), Monte Lindskov (Premier Equipment, Isabel), and Travis Rhoades (Scooters Coffee, Sioux Falls).

The association also recognized outgoing members for their years of service: Tara Knapp (Dairy Queen, Belle Fourche), Angela Leiferman (Mid Dakota Meats, Winner), and Nancy Savage (Child’s Play Toys, Sioux Falls).

The SDRA serves as a unified voice for South Dakota’s restaurants, grocers, and hospitality businesses, providing advocacy and services to members throughout the state.