Kalynn Sortino, PRESIDENT

Program Representative, Nexant, Inc 

 

Originally from Overland Park, Kansas, Kalynn moved to Sioux City in 2011 to attend Briar Cliff University. There she played soccer while receiving her Bachelors Degree in Business Administration and Marketing, and a Master’s Degree in Leadership Management. Upon graduation, Kalynn first worked for Downtown Sioux City as their Business and Entrepreneur Support Coordinator. There, Kalynn worked to attract and retain businesses to build a forever growing and successful Downtown Sioux City. This is what led her to Sioux City Growth Organization and shortly thereafter becoming board chair for Innovation Market. She and SCGO have the same vision to attract, develop, and retain professionals in Siouxland area, so this was a perfect fit! Kalynn was honored to be elected president, and is extremely excited to be serving a second term! Her favorite pastimes include smiling, drinking coffee, practicing an “indoor voice”, and stopping to pet every dog that she passes.

Jed Vant'hof, VICE PRESIDENT

Sales Associate, Iowa Farm Bureau

Born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Jed was raised out in the country near the village of Lester, IA and went to West Lyon High School. After graduating in 2015, he went on to attend Northwestern College In Orange City. While in college he played football and received his Bachelors Degree in Business Finance. After graduating from college in December of 2018, Jed moved to Sioux City to sell insurance for Feuchtenberger & Associates. Jed works with individuals on trying to properly protect themselves both affordably and effectively. He prides himself on being a lifelong learner and always putting his client’s needs first. While working at Feuchtenberger and Associates, a coworker told him about SCGO and the rest is history-after going to just one meeting he was sure he wanted to join! This year he joins the board as the VP. His vision is to connect with, attract, encourage, and retain professionals in the Siouxland community and to make it a better place for everyone who lives here. Some of his favorite pastimes include fishing, golfing, bowling, meeting new people, spending time with his wife Kecia, and playing with his two dogs Rocky and Lady.  

Korey Kletschke, TREASURER

Financial Advisor, STIFEL

Korey Kletschke was born and raised in Sioux City. In 2008 he moved to Iowa City to attend college at the University of Iowa where he earned a B.B.A. degree in Finance. Korey began his investment career with an internship at Stifel’s home office in St Louis in 2011. After college, Korey moved to Cedar Falls to work for Principal Financial Group and eventually received a promotion that moved him to their home office in Des Moines. While at Principal, Korey decided to continue his education by earning the Chartered Financial Consultant designation from the American College of Financial Services. In 2017, Korey returned back to Sioux City to work as a Financial Advisor with Stifel where he works with businesses, individuals and their families and nonprofits. Korey uses his expertise in investments and insurance to help his clients pursue their financial goals. In Korey’s free time he enjoys golfing, working out and traveling. Korey initially joined Sioux City GO as a way to meet other young professionals in the Siouxland area.

Kati Brewer, SECRETARY

Mortgage System Administrator, Security National Bank

Kati is a born and raised Sioux City native. After high school, she put her feet to the pavement immediately, working various jobs before settling at Security National Bank for the last 6 years. Starting as a Customer Service Representative, Kati soon moved to the Mortgage Department as the Administrative Assistant, then took on the title of System Specialist, and most recently was promoted to System Administrator & Compliance Coordinator. Kati joined Sioux City GO to meet other young professionals in Siouxland. She is also involved in volunteering with the Council on Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence. In her free time, you'll find Kati spending time with her fur babies, reading a good book, or watching some sort of sports game (usually baseball).

Nolan Shook, Community & SPECIAL EVENTS

Realtor, Keller Williams Siouxland

Nolan Shook grew up in Sioux City and graduated from North High. After high school, he first received degrees from Western Iowa Tech before continuing his education at Morningside College and graduating with a degree in Business Administration in 2017. Nolan started a construction company in 2017 after owning a painting company for 4 years. He got his real estate license in 2019 and is now a real estate agent at Keller Williams. Nolan joined SCGO for the networking opportunities, to meet friends, and is happy to now organize special events for around the community! In his free time Nolan likes to compete in triathlons, do neat home renovation projects, fish, and play with his dog Pork Chop.

Emily Vondrak, MARKETING

Marketing and Group Sales Manager, Tyson Event Center, Orpheum Theatre

Born and raised in Sioux City, Emily is excited to be part of a group dedicated to seeing her hometown continually grow. After attending Bishop Heelan High School, Emily majored in Business Administration and Marketing at Briar Cliff University. During her time on #thecliff, she was involved in Enactus, Peer Advising Leaders, student government, the Charger Cheer team, and more. Upon graduation, she moved to Boston to enroll in Hult International Business School. After receiving her masters in International Business with a concentration in sustainability and social impact, Emily worked in Boston for a few years in social media marketing for an agency and trade marketing for an international diamond jewelry company. But, she missed home and couldn't pass up an opportunity to move back to Sioux City in the Summer of 2019. She now has the privilege of working for Spectra at the Tyson Events Center and Orpheum Theatre, where she gets to bring great experiences to Siouxland! 

Josiah Paulsrud, CIVIC

Sales Manager, Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center

A Siouxland native, Josiah was born and raised on a farm by Ida Grove.  Following High School, he moved to Sioux City to attend Western Iowa Technical College, where he received his Associates Degree of Arts and Sciences.  Hospitality has always been Josiah's passion and after various positions around Sioux City, he became a manager at Bevs On The River in August of 2012.  It was here that Josiah really began to meet and develop relationships with the business community of Siouxland.  When Bevs On The River sold, Josiah maintained his position with Crave Restaurant until June of 2018, when he accepted a position as the Sales Manager at Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center.  Through this position, Josiah really began to engage with the community, whether through Chamber events, sales calls, or area activities, leading him to join the Sioux City Growth Organization.  When voted to the board, the Civic committee seemed a perfect fit for what Josiah looks to bring to Sioux City! Being involved in growing the Sioux City area, developing and retaining quality business leaders, and promoting Siouxland are reasons Josiah is thrilled to be apart of Sioux City GO.  His favorite activities include spending time with his seven nieces and nephews, enjoying anything in the sun or on water, generally being the loudest person in a room, and having a Seinfeld episode apply to any conversation. 

Nic Madsen, CONNECT

Director of Property Management, NAI United

Originally from Le Mars, Iowa, Nic is a recent honors graduate from Morningside College. While earning his Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration & Marketing, Nic had an active college life. He participated in Business Honors, Omicron Delta Kappa, and was a collegiate wrestler for the Mustangs. Nic was successful in the classroom, receiving an award for 2019 Outstanding Business Administration senior, and on the wrestling mat, receiving Academic All American, GPAC Team Champions, and GPAC All Conference. His commercial real estate career started in 2018 as an intern at NAI United. In April of 2019, Nic was hired on full time as the Director of Property Management and Commercial Associate. He addresses every project diligently and professionally to ensure the best results for his client. In his free time, Nic enjoys coaching wrestling and spending time with friends and family.

Kaylee Betterton, INNOVATION MARKET

Business Relationship Manager, Heritage Bank NA