Dee Sleep | Vice President
marketing and communications manager
at golden west telecommunications
With a curious mind and love of writing, Dee Sleep developed an interest in communications at a young age. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from South Dakota State University with an emphasis in news-editorial journalism before the internet was part of everyday life. Early in her career, she wrote and/or edited copy for the Aberdeen (S.D.) American News, the Sioux Falls (S.D.) Argus Leader, and The Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald. After that, she coordinated public relations for a public library and served as program director for a Chamber of Commerce, both in Gillette, Wyo., and was the assistant manager of a large commercial print shop in Aberdeen.
Next, Dee launched her own marketing agency in Spearfish, S.D. Chicken Creek Communications offered a full-range of marketing and communication services, including content creation and print and web design and development. She grew the business from a home-based sole proprietorship to an LLC with a downtown storefront and three employees. After 17 years, she sold her business and relocated to Rapid City, where she has served as the Marketing & Communications Manager for Golden West Telecommunications for the past four years.
Dee also taught Mass Communication courses both as a temporary, full-time instructor and as an adjunct instructor over many years for Black Hills State University. She completed coursework for a master’s degree in journalism online through the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. She and her husband, Matt, have three daughters and two grandchildren. Dee has volunteered with many boards and organizations over the years, primarily in the Northern Hills. These include the Spearfish Chamber of Commerce, the Spearfish Community Coalition, the Spearfish High School Athletic & Fine Arts Booster Clubs, South Dakota 4-H, and Dakota Resources.
