About Visit Rapid City

At Visit Rapid City, we don’t just market a destination — we champion a movement. For over 53 years, we’ve been the driving force behind Rapid City’s visitor economy, using bold strategies, cutting-edge marketing, and impactful sales efforts to attract millions of travelers to the heart of the Black Hills.

Our mission? To elevate the quality of life in Rapid City through the power of tourism. We do this by executing dynamic marketing campaigns, fostering key industry relationships, and enhancing the visitor experience at every touchpoint. From digital storytelling and press relations to destination development and visitor services, every initiative we undertake is designed to put Rapid City on the map — and keep it there.

As the official Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for Rapid City, we are the voice, the vision, and the energy behind the city’s thriving tourism industry. We don’t just invite visitors — we inspire them. We create opportunities for businesses. We generate economic impact. And most importantly, we ensure that tourism works for our community.

Whether it's welcoming over 4 million annual visitors, building signature experiences, or driving long-term growth, Visit Rapid City is the authority on making our city a must-visit destination.

Because when tourism thrives, so does Rapid City.

Our Brand Promise

The spirit of generations that have called Rapid City home is deeply woven into the energy of our city. The very heart of South Dakota can be found right here in Rapid City’s vibrant local community to America’s history carved in stone. When you’re here, you feel the significance of these lands, the story of the Hills, and the magnetic pull of the people - past and present - who welcome you in with open arms.

Meet Our Staff

Admin & Operations

Ally Formanek CEO

Leads strategic efforts to promote Rapid City, driving tourism, economic growth, and stakeholder collaboration. Lives for live music, good friends, and a solid plate of Mexican food.

Sales & Servicing

Tyson Steiger Director of Sales

Promotes and sells Rapid City as a top destination for meetings and conventions. A former Air Force military police veteran who enjoys hiking the hills with his family, coaching soccer, and tackling home improvement projects.

Kaitlyn Sandland Meeting and Sports Sales Coordinator

Supports the sales team in promoting Rapid City as the destination of choice for meetings, conventions, group tours, and sporting events, while also making sure groups feel right at home once they arrive. Completed her first national rodeo at just six years old!

Marketing

Dani Benne Director of Marketing

Leads Visit Rapid City's efforts to boost destination awareness and bring more visitors to the region. A natural optimist who runs on creativity — and peanut butter.

Alyssa Halverson Graphic Designer

Brings the Visit Rapid City brand to life through bold and creative design. Loves time with family, friends, and her dog, Fern. A proud Wisconsin sports fan — especially devoted to the Green Bay Packers.

Scott Lemon Digital Marketing Manager

Master of all things digital and data. Husband, dad to two boys and a mini Aussie, quintessential Hufflepuff, and an avid fan of baseball, Christmas, Mac Miller, and Black Hills sunsets.

Events

Destiny Cash Events Manager

Plans and coordinates events that bring energy and excitement to Rapid City and Main Street Square. Finds her greatest joy in life through her son.

Pomai Lindenthal Events Coordinator

Coordinates exciting events in Rapid City and Main Street Square, bringing creativity and ingenuity from her background as a teacher. Enjoys reading, exploring the local food scene, and soaking up the sun.

Partner Relations

Callie Meyer Director of Community Engagement

Works with Visit Rapid City and Downtown partners to ensure they have what they need to succeed. Resident Swiftie of the office.

Sports Commission

Domico Rodriguez Executive Director of Rapid City Sports Commission

Grows Rapid City’s sports culture and boosts its economic impact. When he’s not working, he’s on the sidelines — watching his kids' games, coaching, or officiating sports in the community.

Dave Dolan Sports Development Specialist

Supports the Rapid City Sports Commission’s efforts to grow local sports. A retired coach, official, and educator who still loves teaching life lessons through the game.

Visitor Services

Laurie Sutterer Visitor Services Manager

Leads the Rapid City Visitor Center, Street Ambassadors, and City View Trolley drivers, while spearheading the Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA) Program. Loves sharing her passion for Rapid City with visitors — and making them feel at home.

Downtown Operations

Keeps Downtown Rapid City and Main Street Square looking its best, maintaining the fountains and ice rink while ensuring the overall visual appeal of downtown, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all.

Joe Garza Operations Manager

Runs on football season and 49ers victories.

Chris Medina Operations Team Lead

Spends summer with hands in the dirt and a pineapple in the works — yes, in South Dakota!

Gary Armour Operations Associate

Would trade a lazy day for a kayak and some water any time.

Patrick Oliver Operations Associate

Born on Friday the 13th and still defying the odds.