BryAnn Becker Knecht

Communications and marketing, helping organizations tell their story, building relationships, and community and audience engagement are the themes that run through my career. I have worked in marketing/communications for more than a decade, with experience in the public and private sectors in health care, biofuels/ag technology, and the City of Sioux Falls.

Most recently, I managed communications, public relations and media relations for Mayor Paul TenHaken’s Office and informed the community about issues and topics that affect their daily lives. I am passionate about community engagement, storytelling that inspires the community, women's leadership, and making an impact in our community.

In Sioux Falls, I am an involved community member and a graduate of Leadership Sioux Falls Class 32. Outside of work, I enjoy running on the bike trails, teaching and practicing yoga, exploring local hiking trails and Downtown Sioux Falls with my husband, and reading. Originally from Pierre, S.D., I received my bachelor’s degree in English and journalism from Augustana University and a master’s degree in English literature from the University of South Dakota.

Articles

All Nations City Church: “A world church,” 22 Dec., 2013, A world church

Candy Hanson profile: “Doing something good for the area,” 8 Dec. 2013, Doing something good for the area

“On a hunt for history,” 3 October 2013, State Theatre

“Answering the call — and working on the side,” 24 April 2011, Answering the call

“Humble, personable guys of Nick Rallis Band challenging one another toward success,” 7 March 2010, Nick Rallis Band

Columns

“A look at restaurants in Sioux Falls: What’s in a name?” 12 Sept. 2012, A look at restaurants

“Fry bread furor: Standing by a food tradition in a negative light,” 25 July 2010, fry bread

“South Dakota sisters’ savory pies take flight in New York,” 24 October 2010, pie

“No reconciling fury of river with Missouri of my youth,” 11 June 2011, No reconciling the fury

Other

“Spiritual Health,” 28 Nov. 2013, (Written for and ran in the December 2013 issue of she magazine), Exercising your faith

“A look at food safety: The scrutiny of health inspections keeps restaurants safe and clean,” 20 March 2011, Food safety

“Prepare for Nightmare,” 7 August 2008, Alice Cooper

Author and Book Festival Interviews

“Festival of Books highlights plight of Lost Boys of Sudan,”24 Sept. 2010,Lost Boys of Sudan

“Dexter’s latest semi-autobiographical,” 18 October 2009, Pete Dexter

“Louise Erdrich shares thoughts on her One Book novel,” 21 Sept. 2008, Louise Erdrich

Sioux Falls and South Dakota Milestones

“McKennan Park celebrates a century,” 7 June 2008, McKennan Park

“South Dakotans wish our state Capitol a happy 100th,” 13 June 2010, State Capitol 100

“The Banquet marks 25 years of meals,” 14 June 2010, the banquet