AAA Award Winners

Nikk Gronli

Nikki Gronli's career spans an impressive 30 years, marked by notable achievements and contributions across various sectors, beginning as an art director at K-tel, designing vinyl record covers.  Nikki's professional journey evolved through roles at a couple of agencies before her nine year tenure at Lawrence & Schiller, where she worked on significant state accounts.  Later, she excelled as a marketing specialist at SDN Communications, leveraging her expertise in strategy, branding, and event management. Nikki pursued and obtained a Mini MBA from the University of St. Thomas in 2018, demonstrating her dedication to personal and professional growth.

Outside of her career, Nikki is deeply committed to giving back to her state through various boards and organizations. Notably she played an instrumental role in the Scheels Ice Plex building while on the Sioux Falls Youth Hockey Association board. Additionally, Nikki is passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion in technology, as evidenced by her involvement with Dakota State University’s Cyber Security Industry Advisory Board. In 2022, Nikki assumed the role of South Dakota U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Director, appointed by President Joe Biden. She leads a team focused on driving economic development and enhancing infrastructure in rural and Tribal areas.  But Nikki considers her family her greatest achievement, cherishing the adventures shared with her husband, Brian, their four children and four grandchildren.