A Sioux Falls native, Melanie recently returned to her hometown after years on the East Coast working in music and the arts. She was inspired by the transformation of Downtown Sioux Falls and is thrilled to contribute to its continued growth and creative energy through her work with DTSF.
Melanie enjoys walking along the Sioux River with her perfect French Bulldog, diving into a good book, listening to music, and making art with friends.
What she loves most about downtown is the vibrant blend of culture, creativity, and community that makes every day feel full of possibility.
Taryn Sietsema brings nearly two decades of nonprofit leadership experience to DTSF. Over the past 18 years, she has served in key roles across several Sioux Falls organizations, most recently as Executive Director of Mosaic (formerly the Museum of Visual Materials). Taryn is passionate about creating authentic connections and supporting vibrant, people-focused communities—making her a natural fit for Downtown Sioux Falls.
Outside of the office, Taryn can often be found power walking, running, trying out the latest downtown eats, or cheering on her beloved Minnesota Gophers. She and her husband Ben share their home with three energetic pugs, and she’s especially excited for frequent trips to Seattle as her son Evyn begins his next chapter after graduating from the Carlson School of Management.
What Taryn loves most about downtown Sioux Falls is the incredible people, the thriving local business scene, and the timeless charm of its historic architecture.
Jeb is deeply connected to the community he grew up in. Having held every role in the food service industry, Jeb eventually opened his own restaurant, solidifying his reputation as a natural leader with an authentic understanding of Sioux Falls’ needs. His passion for food, art, and local culture drives his innovative marketing approach, always keeping the community at its heart.
A lover of travel, Jeb draws inspiration from other places to enhance the vibrancy of downtown Sioux Falls. His vision is forward-thinking, with a focus on how the city can grow and evolve over the coming decades. Whether he’s promoting local artists or strengthening relationships within the community, Jeb’s work is always centered on making downtown Sioux Falls a better place for future generations.
Jared’s range of experience and previous roles include: Event Coordinator for the Mitchell (SD) Sports and Events Authority; Executive Director for Mitchell (SD) Main Street & Beyond; and Athletic Marketing Assistant for the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. In his spare time, Jared enjoys staying physically active with gym workouts and cheering on all University of Tennessee athletic teams! Hailing from Burke, South Dakota, Jared began as DTSF’s Event Manager in January 2022.
What Jared Likes About Downtown
“There is always something going on downtown! Whether it’s live music in one of the public spaces or a band doing a show at a bar, a food promotion, retail shopping event or an outdoor block party, you can find a new experience each time you visit downtown Sioux Falls. I also love the vibe of ‘support local business’ from store owners and patrons alike…buy local, or bye bye to local!!”
