Eric S. Erickson

Downtown Sioux Falls Rotary is proud to recognize Eric S. Erickson as the 2025 Larry Ritz Rotarian of the Year. This honor celebrates Eric’s outstanding leadership, deep commitment to service, and tireless efforts to strengthen the Rotary community.

A Rotarian since 2010, Eric has been instrumental in the growth of the Sioux 52 mentoring initiative, encouraging both new members and local organizations to embrace mentorship as a way to build stronger individuals and communities. He currently serves on the Rotary Board of Directors as Club President.

Eric is admired by his fellow Rotarians for his energy, thoughtfulness, and ability to bring people together. As one member shared, "Eric takes the extra steps to bring people into Rotary and encourage them to participate. He celebrates all efforts and finds a connection with others and between members. He is always willing to step into the trenches to lead and is not afraid to ask tough questions."

A graduate of Brandon Valley High School, Eric went on to study radio, television, and film at South Dakota State University. He began his career in commercial radio in Brookings before working at Swiftel Communications and later moving into technology sales with CenturyLink and SDN Communications.

In 2020, Eric joined Friends of South Dakota Public Broadcasting, where he currently serves as Vice President of Corporate Partnerships. In this role, he connects businesses and organizations with the impactful storytelling and programming of South Dakota Public Broadcasting.

In addition to Rotary, Eric is a member of Sales & Marketing Executives of Sioux Falls and is a board member, youth leader and drummer at his church, The Point is to Serve. He mentors through Lutheran Social Services and Junior Achievement. His wife, Loree, is a special education teacher in Sioux Falls, and they have three children.