MEET OUR STAFF!

Our team is comprised of seven talented in-office staff members and five resourceful regional representatives.

​While the seven, Pierre based in-office staff work hard to provide information, services, and advocacy to our 4,000 members, the five regional reps are out in the field serving and representing the interests of every member business in their respective territories.

Have a question or concern? Reach out to your regional representative for an in-person visit, contact the home office at (605) 224-5050, or email us by clicking one of our links below. We look forward to assisting you!
Executive Director Nathan Sanderson
Nathan Sanderson
Executive Director
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about nathan
Dr. Nathan Sanderson is the Executive Director of the South Dakota Retailers Association, one of the country’s oldest and largest trade associations. In this capacity he represents 4,000 retail businesses and is responsible for directing the Association’s operations; supervising budgeting, programs, and services; and leading legislative efforts on a state and national level.

He previously served as Director of Policy and Operations for the State of South Dakota, overseeing eight different departments for Governor Dennis Daugaard. Before his time in the Governor’s Office, Dr. Sanderson was Director of Policy for the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and taught U.S. history at the University of Nebraska.

The author of two books, Dr. Sanderson is a South Dakota native, graduating from Lake Preston High School. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education from South Dakota State University, a master’s degree in American History from the University of Indianapolis, and a Ph.D. in History from the University of Nebraska. He lives in Pierre with his wife and son.
 Regional Rep Kecia Beranek
Kecia Beranek
Northeast Regional Rep.
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about kecia
Serving Brown, Campbell, Clark, Codington, Day, Edmunds, Faulk, Grant, Hand, Hyde, Marshall, McPherson, Potter, Roberts, Spink, Sully and Walworth counties

Kecia Beranek was born and raised in Freeman. She went on to graduate from Black Hills State University, after which she was hired to work for the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau. Kecia and her parents then decided to purchase a Steakhouse in St. Lawrence SD. She also owned a small fundraising company where she sold candles to nonprofits for fundraising. Before her most recent position as the Executive Director for On Hand Development in Miller, she worked for a statewide ag organization.  Kecia is no stranger to small-town South Dakota, and thrives in serving her members!

Kecia lives in Miller with her husband, Joe, and two young boys Lincoln and Miles. They love hunting, camping, grilling, golf, and spending time on their farm.
 Regional Rep Karin Hansen
Karin Hansen
West River Regional Rep.
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about karin
Serving Bennett, Butte, Corson, Custer, Dewey, Fall River, Haakon, Harding, Jackson, Meade, Pennington, Perkins, Shannon and Ziebach counties
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Karin Hansen has been the West River Representative since 2010 and she enjoys meeting with and visiting with her 1,000 members. After finding her way through her territory, she loves the windshield time in both “Ranch Land” and the Black Hills. Prior to joining the Retailers Association team, she worked for a local NBC affiliate selling advertising. Upon graduating from SDSU with an Apparel Merchandising degree and an Econ minor, she moved to Portland, OR where she had an internship with Nordstrom and later managed the Personal Shopping department.
 
Karin lives in Rapid City with her husband Eric, and two young sons Fletcher and Reggie. They love all the outdoor activities the Black Hills has to offer. 
Training Program Coordinator Tammy Harmon
Tammy Harmon
Training Program Coordinator
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About Tammy
Tammy Harmon keeps everyone pointed in the right direction and keeps the team on track! She coordinates the Retailers Association's training programs, including ServSafe, and assists with administrative duties. During the busy legislative session, Tammy tracks bills and coordinates schedules for the legislative team - session would not go as smoothly without her help!

She has held administrative and bookkeeping positions for over 15 years, having worked for many different industries including construction, insurance/investment and state government, most recently in the South Dakota Department of Agriculture. Tammy likes providing good customer service to our members and the many people who utilize the ServSafe programs.
 Regional Rep Mary Kate Hoiten
Mary Kate Schultz (Hoiten)
South Central Regional Rep.
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about mary kate
Serving  Aurora, Bon Homme, Brule, Buffalo, Charles Mix, Davison, Douglas, Gregory, Hanson, Hughes, Hutchinson, Jerauld, Jones, Lyman, Mellette, Sanborn, Stanley, Tripp and Todd counties

Mary Kate Schultz grew up in the small town of Montrose (situated along I-90 between Sioux Falls and Mitchell) and graduated high school there in 2019. She completed her Bachelor's degree from South Dakota State University in December of 2022 in Ag Business. With experience in past sales positions, she excels in serving businesses in the South Central Region. 
 
She now lives near Emery with her husband Bradlee, and enjoys spending free time on the farm, tackling DIY projects around her house, and spending time with friends and family. 
 Regional Rep Corey Hybertson
Corey Hybertson
Eastern Regional Rep.
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about corey
Serving Beadle, Brookings, Clay, Deuel, Hamlin, Kingsbury, Lake, McCook, Miner, Moody, Turner, Union and Yankton counties

​Corey Hybertson has years of experience working with retail, bars, and restaurants. A gifted salesman, he's sold beer, radio ads, liquor, and even ag products. He loves working with businesses in South Dakota, and has a huge passion for the Retailers Association's advocacy work; businesses deserve a voice! Corey was born in the Winner area, then moved to Rapid City, where he graduated from Stevens High School. After high school, he moved to Sioux Falls.

Corey enjoys golfing, being on the lake, traveling, and spending time with his two daughters Elizabeth and Kelsey.
Regional Rep Jaime Hybertson
Jaime Hybertson
Minnehaha & Lincoln Regional Rep.
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about jaime
Serving Minnehaha and Lincoln counties

​Jaime Hybertson has been with the Retailers Association since 2014, with a short break between to manage a retail store and a family bar/restaurant. From this experience, Jaime feels as though she can better relate to those she serves. She received a bachelor's degree in social work and criminal justice from SDSU in 2001, after which she became a social worker for thee State of South Dakota.  Originally from Chester, she grew up working at the Hillside Resort, Broadwater Resort, Lake's Bar and Grill, and Hef's. She is no stranger to the restaurant world, and loves her "retail therapy!" 

Jaime resides with her son Dalton Reiff and loves to travel.
 Policy Director Donna Leslie
Donna Leslie
Policy Director
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About Donna
Donna Leslie is the association's Policy Director, which covers some diverse ground. She helps members find answers to questions regarding laws, regulations and other issues; writes most of the articles for the association’s magazine; tracks legislative and regulatory action at the State Capitol; keeps members up-to-date on changes in laws and regulations; and coordinates the association’s scholarship program.

Donna loves the variety, challenges and continual opportunities to learn new things that come with working at the South Dakota Retailers Association. Prior to joining the Retailers Association, Donna worked in TV and radio news reporting. She lives in Pierre with her husband. 
 Communications Director Caleb Nugteren
Caleb Nugteren
Communications Director
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About Caleb
Caleb Nugteren is the association's hub for all things communications, design, and marketing. His responsibilities include designing the Retail Prophet, creating promotional materials, social media management, photography, video production, and drafting and distributing communications to members through a variety of applications. With a diverse background in past extracurriculars and activities, like a previous position on National Famers Union's National Youth Advisory Council,  Caleb draws from his experiences and applies them to his work.

A 2019 graduate of Canistota High School and a 2022 graduate of Southeast Technical College in Media Design Technology, he is excited to bring fresh ideas and new perspectives to the South Dakota Retailers Association. 
Finance Officer Brenda Paul
Brenda Paul
Finance Officer & Human Resources Manager
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​About Brenda
Brenda Paul has been the Finance Officer and Human Resources Manager for the South Dakota Retailers Association since May of 2013. She is responsible for managing the accounting programs for the South Dakota Retailers Association, SDRA Services Corporation, SDRA Education Trust, SDRA PAC and Open for Business Ballot Question Committee. Before joining the association, she worked for Stulken, Petersen, Lingle, Walti & Jones, LLP preparing tax returns and performing financial statement audits. She is a University of South Dakota graduate with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and has earned her CPA certificate.

She lives in Pierre with her husband Loren and pug Lucy. They have two grown sons, two daughters-in-law, and three grandchildren. They enjoy walking around town, especially along the river, and camping.
 Membership Director Seanna Regynski
Seanna Regynski
Membership Director & Education Coordinator
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About Seanna
​Seanna Regynski's responsibility as Membership Director is to ensure that members receive an unmatched value from joining the Retailers Association. As Education Coordinator, she oversees our education programs, providing guidance and support to ProStart teachers, hosting an amazing statewide culinary competition for students, and more. She has worked in various positions throughout her career, but her passion for our members has remained strong since joining the association in 2011! Seanna takes great joy in serving our members.
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Seanna lives in Pierre, with her husband and has two grown daughters. She spends most of her free time in the summer on the golf course and during the winter working on home projects.
 Services Director Carrie Wheelhouse
Carrie Wheelhouse
Services Director & Events Coordinator
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About Carrie
As Services Director, Carrie Wheelhouse oversees the services we provide to our members and regularly looks at ways to improve upon them. Since 2015, she has made our association events run smoothly, ensuring attendees have a great time! She says the best part of her job is connecting  with members and learning their stories. She received a bachelor’s degree from SDSU in General Studies with concentrations in Science, Math, Engineering, Business, and Wellness - quite the mouthful! Originally from Hot Springs, she is a true west river girl at heart.

Carrie is married to Daron, with three girls – Hannah, Brystal and Cora. The family stays extra busy with their own business, Wheelhouse Auto Body, but spends their free time floating on the boat, taking part in the Oahe Fastpitch Association, and watching the girls play sports/dance.
Governor Robert S. Vessey
SDRA Founding Member & Office Icon
​South Dakota's seventh Governor, Governor Robert S. Vessey, was among the founding merchants of the South Dakota Retailers Association in 1897. His statue is part of the South Dakota Trail of Governors and is located just outside the main entrance to the Association's office in Pierre.

In his free time, Vessey (the statue) likes to experiment with his clothing choices. You can follow along on his fashion/costume journey on our Facebook and Instagram pages.