A note from Forward Sioux Falls Program Director, Brittany Hanson

Stepping into the role of Forward Sioux Falls Program Director has been an invigorating experience, and I am thrilled to be part of such a dynamic and impactful program. I am deeply honored to contribute to a community that I hold so dear.

Before joining Forward Sioux Falls, I spent the majority of my career at the University of Sioux Falls, where I had the privilege of serving as the director of alumni relations and annual giving. I’ve always been passionate about the power of communication and connection—bringing the right people together to achieve meaningful goals while inspiring creativity, focus, and energy. There are few things more fulfilling to me than building relationships that help advance organizations and connect people. Even before my career in fundraising, I was drawn to those who are generous – those who find more value in giving than receiving. They are open-minded, solution-focused, and, most important, they are usually the happiest people in the room.

That’s why I’m especially looking forward to deepening my relationships with regional business leaders and FSF investors. Their generosity is not just about financial contributions; it’s about their commitment to the community and their willingness to collaborate for the greater good. I’ve already had the pleasure of meeting several of them, and they embody what makes Sioux Falls so special. It’s been said before, but I’ll say it again: Sioux Falls has amazing leaders who are committed to coming together, placing their competitive differences aside and pursuing ideas that benefit the entire Sioux Falls area. Without this collaborative spirit, our city would look much different than it does today. This has been the foundation for Forward Sioux Falls over the past 37 years and will be crucial for its success going forward.

In addition to ensuring our investors that their contributions continue to make a significant impact, I am looking forward to doing the same with Forward Sioux Falls volunteers. Their passion and commitment are vital to the success of our initiatives, and I’m committed to ensuring their efforts are both impactful and recognized.

Although I’ve only begun to explore the vast reach of Forward Sioux Falls initiatives, I am eager to continue learning about and supporting programs that drive economic growth and enhance the quality of life in our region. It’s clear that we are on a path to achieving great things together.

With that in mind, let’s move Forward, Sioux Falls!