Mayor Erickson named keynote speaker at 2026 Women’s Day

Aug. 3, 2026

Contact:
Paul Heinert
Sanford Health Media Relations
605-366-2432 / paul.heinert@sanfordhealth.org

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Sioux Falls Mayor Christine Erickson will be the keynote speaker at Women’s Day presented by EMC, on Tuesday, Sept. 8, during the 2026 Sanford International.

Erickson, the 33rd Mayor of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was inaugurated this July and is the first woman to hold the office. Born in Rapid City and raised in a working-class family, her values were shaped by hard work, service, and integrity.

“I am honored to join hundreds of remarkable women at this year’s Sanford International Women’s Day celebration,” said Erickson. “This event not only shines a light on the strength and leadership of women across our region but also highlights the power of community at one of our most impactful sporting events. I look forward to taking the time to connect, learn, and inspire one another.”

In 2012, Erickson was elected to the South Dakota House of Representatives for District 11, and in 2014, transitioned to serve two terms as an at-large member of the Sioux Falls City Council. In 2021, she became President of both the South Dakota Auto Dealers Association and the South Dakota Trucking Association — two integral industries to the state and the nation.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sioux Falls’ first female mayor, Christine Erickson, as the keynote speaker for this year’s Sanford International Women’s Day celebration,” said Tenny Snyder, assistant tournament director of the Sanford International. “As a mother and a leader, Christine represents the strength, resilience, and compassion that make women such powerful changemakers. Her historic election is an inspiring milestone for our community and having the opportunity to be a resident here during this chapter in our city’s story is something I’m incredibly proud to be a part of.”

Women’s Day launches Sanford International Tournament week by uniting 250 women from the Sioux Falls area. The event offers a powerful opportunity for connection, peer learning, and recognition of the important work taking place at Sanford Children’s Hospital.

EMC is the presenting sponsor of Women’s Day with Optum serving as the presenting sponsor of the Women’s Day Social. Tastings throughout the event include a wine and desert pairing from R Wine Bar, Maestro Dobel Margaritas, and baked goods from female owned, Breadsmith.

For additional information on Women’s Day or the Sanford International, visit sanfordinternational.com or call the tournament office at 605-271-7825

 

 

About the Sanford International
The Sanford International, a PGA TOUR Champions event contested in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, will be played at Minnehaha Country Club the week of September 7-13 featuring a $2.2 million purse. In its ninth year, the Sanford International will continue to focus on charitable giving and making a lasting impact in Sioux Falls. For more information about the tournament, please visit sanfordinternational.com. You can also follow the tournament on social media via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 

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