2025 Vision Sioux Falls Award recipients announced

New award shines light on unsung leaders

The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce has introduced a new recognition to honor individuals whose steady leadership and quiet impact help bring bold ideas to life. The Vision Sioux Falls Award, presented for the first time this year, celebrates those who work behind the scenes to implement meaningful change, without expectation of recognition.

Each recipient was selected by a Chamber Visionary Member for their role in advancing a company or community vision. These individuals may not always receive public recognition, yet their contributions are essential to the progress seen in organizations, industries, and across the region.

“The Vision Sioux Falls Award is our way of saying thank you to the people whose efforts might otherwise go unnoticed,” said Jeff Griffin, President & CEO of the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce. “They are the ones driving change from within, and this award is about honoring that quiet dedication.”

The award is open to individuals from any sector, including business, nonprofit, civic, and education, who demonstrate leadership, innovation, and service in support of a larger vision.

As a new annual tradition, the Vision Sioux Falls Award reflects the values of leadership, service, and community that define our region. It celebrates the changemakers who make Sioux Falls stronger not by standing in the spotlight, but by helping others succeed.

Click here to learn more about how to become a Visionary Member.

Congratulations to the 2025 Vision Sioux Falls Award Recipients

Vernon Brown, South Dakota State University – nominated by SDN Communications
Adam Cox, The First National Bank in Sioux Falls – nominated by The First National Bank in Sioux Falls
Mark Fonder, Hungry Hearts – nominated by First Interstate Bank
Nancy Halverson, Levitt at the Falls – nominated by MarketBeat
Dr. Loren Koepsell, Augustana University – nominated by Dacotah Bank
Hillary McQuade, CorTrust Bank – nominated by CorTrust Bank
April Meyerink, American Bank & Trust – nominated by American Bank & Trust
Kaeli Meyerink, Lloyd Companies – nominated by Lloyd Companies
Lindsey Meyers, Avera – nominated by Avera
Bill O’Connor, First PREMIER Bank/PREMIER Bankcard – nominated by First PREMIER Bank/PREMIER Bankcard
Jim Soukup, Soukup Construction, Inc. – nominated by Eide Bailly LLP
Riley Theel, Sanford Health – nominated by Sanford Health