Watertown’s Ranum Continues Service as Governor’s Tourism Advisory Board Elects Leadership

Steve Jurrens
6 days ago
2 min read

Group of eight people in red and black attire smiling indoors. Text overlay: "Watertown’s Ranum Continues Service as Governor’s Tourism Advisory Board Elects Leadership." — Left to right: Julie Ranum, Watertown; Ann Lesch, De Smet; Gwyn Wathen, Hill City; Carmen Schramm, Yankton; Ivan Sorbel, Kyle; Frank Smith, Gettysburg; Kristi Wagner, Whitewood; Val Rausch, Big Stone City; Caleb Arceneaux, Rapid City

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The South Dakota Governor’s Tourism Advisory Board elected new leadership during its meeting Tuesday in Pierre, with Watertown representative Julie Ranum continuing her role as a key voice for the region on the state level.

Caleb Arceneaux of Rapid City was elected president of the board, while Val Rausch of Big Stone City will serve as vice president.

Ranum, a prominent member of the Watertown community, remains a vital part of the 11-member board. The body, appointed by the Governor, consists of industry professionals and citizen representatives who serve as advocates for Travel South Dakota and act as liaisons between the state and local tourism interests.

James Hagen, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Tourism, praised the board’s composition and its impact on the state’s growth.

“This board represents the very best of South Dakota’s tourism industry,” Hagen said. “Their leadership, industry expertise, and passion for our state play a critical role in strengthening tourism, supporting local communities, and driving economic impact across South Dakota.”

The election of officers comes at a pivotal time for the industry, following reports of record-breaking visitation and spending across the state in 2025. As a board member, Ranum helps oversee the strategic direction of South Dakota’s marketing efforts, ensuring that destinations like Watertown benefit from the state’s multi-billion-dollar tourism economy.

In addition to Ranum, Arceneaux, and Rausch, the current board includes Tom Biegler and John Brockelsby of Rapid City; Ann Lesch of De Smet; Carmen Schramm of Yankton; Frank Smith of Gettysburg; Ivan Sorbel of Kyle; Kristi Wagner of Whitewood; and Gwyn Wathen of Hill City.