A Bold New Chapter: The SDSMA's Future is Looking Up

Keith Hansen, MD
President
November 3, 2025

As we continue to navigate the dynamic landscape of healthcare in the state, the strength and success of the SDSMA remains rooted in you, our dedicated members. That's why I'm thrilled to share an exciting update on a pivotal move that will amplify our presence: the SDSMA is planning a move!

A new office location represents a significant opportunity and is packed with positives for members and staff. Moving into a more visible location elevates the SDSMA's profile, making the association an even more prominent and undeniable voice on legislative issues, outreach, and our initiatives. This will positively impact our membership by strengthening our name, enhancing our recruiting efforts, and ensuring that the work we do continues to command attention and respect. Realizing a bold vision and securing a vibrant, influential future for all South Dakota physicians is critical.

By way of background, the Board of Directors and staff have been discussing how to optimize management of the SDSMA building located at 2600 W. 49th Street in Sioux Falls. Owning the building requires staff to spend increasing amounts of time on property management issues of the 40,000 square foot building. The amount of work is intermittent but has become more as the building ages and this time commitment detracts from our staff’s ability to do the important work of the SDSMA. An opportunity presented itself recently when one of our current tenants, who was set to move out of their space in November 2025 due to an expired lease, indicated they would stay if they could find more space. With the current rental market in Sioux Falls, it would take roughly 6 to 12 months to potentially find another tenant for this space which would result in loss of funds and uncertainty. After discussing the options, the SDSMA board approved the plan to add the SDSMA and SDFMC office space to the tenant’s current space and they accepted the offer for a long-term lease. At this point, the SDSMA building has 100% occupancy. And by hiring a property manager for the existing building, we can improve staff efficiency in accomplishing the SDSMA goals and objectives.

With the lease of the SDSMA office space, the staff is working on relocation. Options that have been considered include working from home, lease space, buy, or build a new office. Because of the immediate need for staff to vacate the current space by the end of November, they are prepared to temporarily work from home with intermittent, in-person meetings. At a special board meeting called in September, board members agreed that purchasing new space has a number of advantages. These advantages include diversification of SDSMA funds and with the current growth trajectory of Sioux Falls the market value of property should continue to increase. Purchasing or leasing property also allows the SDSMA to select a location that is more visible in a growing area of town and the opportunity to possibly be close to the medical school’s new location.

These changes will improve the efficiency and productivity of the staff, maintain the fiscal stability of the SDSMA, allow the SDSMA to continue its work on advocacy and promote medical ethics and values. The new CEO and team are committed to creating a vibrant membership organization with a focus on visibility, networking, collaboration and impact.