TenHaken’s innovation leader at City Hall steps down
TenHaken’s innovation leader at City Hall steps down after 15 months
Sioux Falls Argus Leader
The city of Sioux Falls’ first-ever director of Innovation and Technology is stepping down.
Jason Reisdorfer, appointed by Mayor Paul TenHaken to lead the newly-created Innovation and Technology Department in September 2018, submitted his letter of resignation to his boss Monday. His last day is Jan. 24.
“While Jason has been instrumental in advancing a culture of innovation and problem-solving that has resulted in moving numerous large projects forward, he plans to return to work in the private sector,” TenHaken wrote in an email to city councilors. “We wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors.”
Reisdorfer, 39, came to the city after TenHaken scrapped the Central Services Department that had traditionally overseen building maintenance, billing and information services, and replaced it with a department aimed at making government more efficient through the use of technology and innovation.
Last year: Supporters rally for Mayor TenHaken’s Innovation and Technology Director pick
Reisdorfer told the Argus Leader Monday afternoon that he’s leaving City Hall to return to the private sector where he will pursue a startup business opportunity.
“I’ve been sitting on a couple of startup ideas, and I think I’m going to pull the trigger on one of them,” he said. “I took all of last week off to sit and reflect with myself and my family to make sure this is the right thing to do.”
The mayor’s office will immediately begin looking for Reisdorfer’s replacement, according to his email to the City Council.
During his tenure in city government, Reisdorfer most notably worked with a team of city staff to create a pilot for on-demand transit service, which will be tested in summer 2020. He also worked with the mayor’s office to waive bus fees during a dangerously cold spell last winter.
While he found satisfaction in his work with the city, he said his passion is in the private sector.
In the meantime, though, he said he’s offered to stay involved as a consultant or someone to provide assistance to the city going forward.
“I’m happy to stay involved because I still believe in the cause,” he said. “But in my heart of heart, I’m a private sector guy. I have to get back to what I love,” he said.