Director Biographies

Melissa Bump

Melissa Bump is the Director of the South Dakota Office of Tourism. She has been with the Office of Tourism for 12 years, most currently serving as the Visitor and Industry Relations Manager and has been responsible for overseeing the Interstate Information Centers, Great Events Campaign, Million Dollar Challenge Program, Hospitality Program, Tribal Tourism, Cooperative Marketing Programs and Advertising Marketing Campaigns. She began her career with Tourism's Creative Division as the media buyer.

She will manage a budget of $11.3 million and a staff of 24 team members. Additionally, she will direct marketing and promotional efforts to reach Governor Rounds' 2010 Initiative goal of doubling visitor spending by the year 2010.  

Bump is a native of Aberdeen, South Dakota. Melissa and her husband, Craig have two children Matthew and Alyssa and they reside in Pierre, SD.