Serving as the voice for South Dakota’s hospitals and healthcare organizations, SDAHO is a trusted resource and leading advocate for its members on advocacy, education and other resources. In order to advance the organization’s mission and strategy to expand South Dakota’s unified voice, promote consistent messaging, and expand communication efforts in the area of education and advocacy, the Communications Manager position was created.
Stephanie Rissler accepted this position and began with SDAHO on January 4, 2021. Stephanie has an extensive background in media and communications. She has worked in the media/ television industry for 25 plus years, earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Mass Communications from Black Hills State University. Her career began in the Rapid City area covering radio and television news for the northern Black Hills. In 1997 she took on the role of Videographer / Editor with South Dakota Public Broadcasting (SDPB), but would quickly move to producer / on-air host. She wore many hats at SDPB but her main responsibility was producing and hosting the networks live public affairs televised discussion program, South Dakota Focus. She was also responsible for producing and hosting SDPB networks political coverage, which has allowed her to moderate over 100 political debates and forums. Documentaries are her passion and during her time she has produced/written 12 documentaries, earning five Emmy nominations. In her role as communications manager, Stephanie will create, implement and oversee all communication throughout SDAHO to promote consistent messaging by sharing information, advocacy and educational opportunities.
