Watertown Area Chamber Promotes Mackenzie Ries to President

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce has promoted Mackenzie Ries to President, effective Oct. 1. Ries will continue serving as Director of Ag Engagement while assuming expanded leadership responsibilities alongside CEO Tim Sheehan and Director of Community Engagement Ashley Johnson.

Ries joined the Chamber in February 2024 and has since become a key part of the organization’s operations, events, and agricultural programming. Chamber leadership credits her strong work ethic, organization, and willingness to take on any challenge as key factors in her promotion.

“Mackenzie has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership through her actions,” CEO Tim Sheehan said. “She leads with her heart rather than her title, approaches every challenge with determination, and is deeply committed to the success of our organization and community. Her promotion to President is a natural progression.”

In her expanded role, Ries will continue overseeing agricultural initiatives and major Chamber events, including the Watertown Winter Farm Show—one of her favorite annual projects due to its extensive planning and community impact.

A native of Raymond, Ries graduated from Clark High School in 2009 and later earned an Associate of Applied Science degree as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. Her passion for agriculture grew after she married Todd in 2010. The couple lives southeast of Watertown and are raising four children: Easton, Walker, Hope, and Harper.

Ries’ leadership style—rooted in determination, organization, and a solutions‑focused approach—has earned respect from Chamber staff, volunteers, business leaders, and community partners. As President, she will help guide strategic direction, strengthen member relationships, and support economic growth throughout the Watertown area.

The Chamber says Ries’ promotion reinforces its commitment to shared leadership and positions the organization for continued success.