2024 South Dakota Sales and Marketing Executive of the Year™ Award.

Jim Schmidt

 

Born in Lennox, SD.

Graduated from Lennox High School.

Graduated from Augustana with degrees in History & Biology.

Received Masters Degree in Educational Psychology from University of SD.

Jim taught high school and was the school counselor in Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin before returning to South Dakota. He served as President of Killian Community College in Sioux Falls for several years and moved on to be the EVP for the American Cancer Society of the Dakotas. Years later he became CEO of the Sioux Empire Housing Partnership.

Throughout his years he has also maintained his family farm near Lennox.

Jim was elected to the Lincoln County (SD) Commission in 2000 where he continues to serve as an elected Commissioner.

Jim has served on literally dozens of boards over the years. Following is a sample. He is currently serving on:

  • Accessible Housing Advisory Board Children’s Home Society Board
  • SD Rural Finance Board
  • SD Municipal League Workman’s Comp Board
  • SD Association of County Commissioners Executive Committee National Association of Counties National Board
  • lnterlakes Community Action Board SECOG Board
  • Sioux Falls Development Foundation Board/Lincoln County Re

Past Boards:

  • Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, Past Chair SME of Sioux Falls, Past Chair
  • Sioux Empire Farm Show, Past Chair Glory House, Past Chair
  • Multi Cultural Center, Past Chair
  • Federal Home Loan Bank Advisory Board, Past Chair Killian Community College, Past President

Awards:

  • Tallgrass Treatment Facility Leadership Award Larry Ritz Rotarian of the Year Award
  • SD Housing Authority Friend of Affordable Housing Award Housing and Urban Development Best Practice Award for Housing NW Iowa Educator of the Year Award

Family:

Jim is married to Teri Schmidt and has 2 daughters, Brittany and Brianna, and 1 grandson named Nicholson. He also has 1 son, Anthony and his wife Paula, 3 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter.