Insider's Guide
October 3, 2024 – After nearly ten years at the helm, DTSF President Joe Batcheller has announced his
resignation effective December 20, 2024. Batcheller has decided to pursue professional opportunities
outside the DTSF organization.
During his time at DTSF, Batcheller launched the extremely successful Ambassador Program.
Ambassadors partner with Sioux Falls police to keep the city’s core safe, promote local businesses, and
beautify and clean DTSF streets and sidewalks. Also during his tenure, Batcheller led efforts to support
commerce during Covid, including a relief grant program that supported 70 businesses in April of
2020.
“We’re grateful for Joe’s passion for growing DTSF’s culture, community and commerce. With an
economic impact of more than $5 million annually, DTSF is vital to the city and the region, and Joe
understands the organization’s value and importance,” said DTSF Chair Vaney Hariri.
“I have the utmost gratitude for my time at DTSF and the incredible people I was privileged to work
alongside for the betterment of Downtown Sioux Falls. I am proud to have had the opportunity to lead
positive changes for the heart of Sioux Falls and will continue to support and advocate for it. While it
was a hard decision, as my passion for downtown runs deep, I’ve decided it is time for a change and to
pursue other professional endeavors,” said Batcheller.
The DTSF Board of Directors is currently working through a transition plan as it readies to hire the
organization’s next president. Vice President Brandon Hanson will act as president in the interim.
