Kristie Sikkink honored with Distinguished Service Award
October 7, 2024Bryant, SD finance officer recognized as part of Public Power Week
In the small community of Bryant, South Dakota, one local leader is making a big impact.
As the city’s finance officer, Kristie Sikkink is managing more than budgets–she’s helping shape the community’s future. From leading grant campaigns that have secured tens of thousands of dollars to being a constant presence at community events, Sikkink is known for her enthusiasm, dedication and the personal touch she brings to her work.
Sikkink is being honored as this year’s recipient of Heartland Energy’s Distinguished Service Award. This prestigious award is given to public power employees who go above and beyond in their roles, positively impacting their communities.
“Kristie’s leadership and passion made her a clear choice,” said Heartland Customer Relations Manager Kelly Dybdahl. “Her commitment, both through her official duties and volunteer work, has made Bryant stronger and more connected. She is a shining example of service, dedication and community spirit.”
Community champion on and off the clock
Sikkink has been a reliable public servant at city hall for the past eight years. According to Mayor Win Noem, she is often the face of the community, handling everything from managing the community center to organizing fundraising events.
“Kristie is always willing to help with any event or activity, taking on whatever role is needed to make the project successful,” Noem said. “She does it all with professionalism, a smile, and a work ethic that’s second to none.”
Noem also highlighted her willingness to lend an ear to residents’ concerns, always offering compassion and understanding. To Sikkink, it’s just part of the job.
“You must have the ability to switch hats and be willing to wear them all–whether it’s receipting utility payments, issuing building permits, tracking down a loose cat or dog, or event taking up the role as a social worker–I see everything in this office!” she said. “If you come into my office and ask for help or guidance, and I know how to help you, why wouldn’t I?”
Sikkink’s commitment doesn’t end when the work day is over.
She volunteers in both Bryant and the neighboring town of Castlewood, devoting countless hours to making both better places to live. She even stepped in as interim finance officer in Castlewood during a period of turnover and helped train their new employee.
“Her heart for helping others is what makes her truly special,” Noem said.
Rallying support and driving change
Sikkink’s heart and community spirit were on full display when she recently led Bryant’s efforts to win a $50,000 Kubota Hometown Proud® Grant. Kubota Tractor Corporation encourages partnerships between non-profit organizations and local Kubota dealerships, awarding grants to support community-based projects. In 2024, a record-breaking 1,590 applications were submitted, with 20 regional winners ultimately chosen.
Bryant’s local non-profit organization, Bryant Up & Coming, led a campaign drive to secure Kubota’s financial support towards a revitalized city park. Their project was initially selected to receive a $10,000 grant. They also were named one of 20 national finalists to increase the grant amount to $50,000 through a public voting phase.
According to Krista Prouty from the Up & Coming committee, Sikkink was instrumental throughout the contest. She led media interviews, spearheaded a social media strategy, and personally reached out to nearly everyone she met to rally support for the small town.
“Most people might have brushed it off, but Kristie’s enthusiasm was infectious. She had a dream for what our park could become, and she got other people to believe in it too,” Prouty said.
Sikkink’s leadership helped secure the victory by a landslide. With the support of the surrounding region, Bryant, population 500, won by thousands of votes over Green Bay, Wisconsin, a city boasting a population of more than 100,000.
With the budget boost, the group was able to go beyond their initial plan of installing sunshade pods near the playground. Instead, they plan to construct a state-of-the-art picnic shelter, aptly named the “Kubota Pavilion.”
“We are truly lucky to have Kristie,” said Prouty. “She’s passionate, caring, a hard worker and truly goes above and beyond for Bryant.”
Sikkink, in her own right, shares the credit with the rest of the seven-member committee, though she admits her role in city hall may have lightly influenced her drive.
“I couldn’t have done it without them, and I know that they couldn’t have done it without all of us together. In small communities, it takes people who share that drive and that passion to want to see things done or want to make improvements. In my job as finance officer, sustainability is a big deal. Without it, people move away. So, to make a community a place that you want to raise your family and that your kids will want to come back to–that’s something to be proud of.”
But Sikkink hasn’t stopped there. Next, she crafted an application for a $100,000 grant from South Dakota Game Fish & Park’s Land & Water Conservation Fund, a federal aid assistance program that helps fund outdoor recreation projects. The program provides funding of up to 50% reimbursement for projects that cost $10,000 or more. It has been approved for funding at the state level and awaits approval from the National Park Service for matching funds.
Leadership and distinguished service
Prouty sees Sikkink as the perfect example of both an outstanding city employee and citizen. For Heartland Energy, she embodies public service.
Heartland Energy supplies electric power to Bryant and other communities across the Midwest. The Distinguished Service Award, presented during Public Power Week, honors municipal officials within those communities who lead with dedication and make lasting local contributions.
“Public power is about more than electricity. It’s about helping businesses and residents thrive and building stronger communities, which Kristie does every day,” Dybdahl said. “Her efforts go far beyond her job title and her impact will be felt in Bryant for years to come.”
The Distinguished Service Award is more than a recognition of Sikkink’s past accomplishments. It’s also a testament to her ongoing commitment to giving back and making a difference.
