SIOUX FALLS — South Dakota Trade’s board has selected Rachael Weiland as the organization’s new president and chief executive officer after conducting a competitive search, the group announced Thursday.
Experienced marketing and business development leader to lead trade efforts
Weiland comes to the position with a background in business development, marketing and helping South Dakota companies expand into international markets. Before joining South Dakota Trade, she served as Director of Account Service at Click Rain, a role in which she worked with clients on strategic marketing and account management.
The outgoing interim leader, Joe Fiala, had been serving while the board conducted its search. The organization said the appointment is intended to build on the group’s existing work to support state businesses seeking to enter and compete in global markets.
“I am honored by the trust the board has placed in me to lead South Dakota Trade,” Weiland said. “This organization has already made a real difference for businesses across our state, and I’m excited to build on that foundation; growing the relationships, opening the doors, and creating the opportunities that help South Dakota companies compete and succeed in markets around the world.”
What the leadership change means for businesses
South Dakota Trade acts as a connector and facilitator for companies pursuing export opportunities. Under Weiland’s leadership, the organization is expected to emphasize relationship building with overseas partners and create pathways for state firms to reach new customers beyond U.S. borders. The appointment signals the board’s interest in blending marketing and account-focused experience with the organization’s trade mission.
Local business leaders said attracting executives with both marketing and international experience can help small and medium-sized companies that lack dedicated export teams. While the organization has run trade missions, training and market research, specific programs or initiatives tied to Weiland’s tenure were not announced at the time of her appointment.
Background and leadership transition
Weiland’s professional background includes strategic account work and marketing leadership. Those skills are widely viewed as relevant to an organization that helps clients position products, find distributors and navigate overseas sales channels. The board conducted a competitive selection process before naming her to the top post.
Fiala, who served as interim president and CEO, will hand over leadership responsibilities as Weiland assumes the role. The organization did not provide a timeline for the formal transition or detail any immediate personnel changes within the trade office.
| Position | Individual |
|---|---|
| New president & CEO | Rachael Weiland |
| Interim president & CEO (predecessor) | Joe Fiala |
| Previous role | Director of Account Service, Click Rain |
Stakeholder expectations and next steps
Business groups and exporters will likely be watching for Weiland’s first public plans, including any new programming, trade missions or partnerships targeted at priority markets. The organization’s stated focus on helping South Dakota businesses access international markets means measurable outcomes — such as new export contracts or increased market access — will be key markers of progress.
For now, the immediate priority appears to be continuity: maintaining services and relationships that existing clients rely on while developing strategies to expand reach. Weiland’s combination of account service and marketing experience suggests a focus on client-facing work and communications, areas that could help firms better present and sell their goods abroad.
- New leader: Rachael Weiland named president and CEO of South Dakota Trade.
- Predecessor: Joe Fiala served as interim president and CEO.
- Background: Weiland most recently was Director of Account Service at Click Rain and has experience supporting South Dakota businesses entering international markets.
Additional details about Weiland’s strategic priorities and the organization’s upcoming calendar of trade activities are expected to be released by South Dakota Trade in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, exporters and companies considering international sales can look for announcements and client outreach as the new leadership settles into the role.
— Hannah Steele, WE NEWS
