South Dakota Political Operative & Communications Executive Kenyon Gleason Named ARTBA Field Director

Washington, D.C. [August 27, 2008]—Kenyon Gleason, a 15-year veteran of the media, communications and political arenas, has been named field director for the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA).  He will be involved in membership development, service and outreach, fundraising and grassroots political action activities.  His primary focus will be in the Midwestern U.S. 

Immediately prior to joining ARTBA, Gleason served a director of media and public relations for the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D., which is the largest facility in the five-state Avera Health network.  He was the hospital’s primary media and public spokesman and managed a five-member team responsible for the facility’s internal and external communications programs. 

Previously, Gleason served as director of communications at The University of South Dakota and held a similar position with the Broin Companies (now POET), a leading player in the ethanol fuels industry.

An award-winning journalist, Gleason started his professional career as a television and radio reporter and news anchor with stations in Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana and South Dakota.  He also was the managing editor of a monthly newspaper.
 
Gleason was elected to an at-large seat on the Sioux Falls City Council in 2000, serving four years, one as council chairman.  He has also been active in statewide politics, serving as coalition director for the GOP Victory Office in the 2002 national elections.

A North Dakota native, he is a 1993 graduate of St. Cloud State University in Minnesota and holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications/broadcasting.

Gleason and his wife, Stacey, have five sons, and currently reside in Dell Rapids, just outside of Sioux Falls.

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