Press Release- South Dakota Democratic Party announces staff expansion

Sioux Falls, SD (January 8, 2016)-

The South Dakota Democratic Party announced today it has expanded staff in preparation for the 2016 election cycle and hired South Dakota native Michael Ewald to fill the new role of Communication Director.

A graduate of Watertown High School and the University of South Dakota, Michael Ewald returns to South Dakota from Chicago, IL where he previously served as Director of Debate at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools and legal assistant at the law firm Baker & McKenzie, LLC.

Suzanne Jones Pranger, Executive Director of the South Dakota Democratic Party, said, “We are excited to be growing the South Dakota Democratic Party by having Michael join our staff.  His experience in communication will be a valuable asset as we increase our advocacy for good government and opportunity for all South Dakotans.”

Ewald, a former intern with the Democratic Caucus during the 2010 legislative session said, “I’m thrilled to join the South Dakota Democratic Party. With such an important legislative session and election cycle ahead, it’s critical we strongly emphasize the Democratic Party’s core message of empowerment, inclusion, and expanded opportunity.”

Ann Tornberg, Chair of the South Dakota Democratic Party said, “We view Michael’s appointment as part of a larger strategy and commitment to build a strong foundation for the Democratic Party. I am confident he will make a substantial impact on the Party’s communication efforts.”

This marks the second recent hire by the SD Democratic Party. In October, Chris McEwen joined the staff as Field and Data Director. He previously served as the Data Director for the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party, as a campaign manager and treasurer for several state legislative campaigns, and as a technological consultant for several statewide campaigns. McEwen is completing his masters degree in statistics at North Dakota State University, where he also earned his bachelors degree in statistics and psychology.

Michael Ewald can be contacted at press@sddp.org or 605.271.5405.