Mike Gussiaas is Director of Global Marketing and Brand Strategy for the Department of Tourism. He leads the team responsible for working closely with the department's three agencies to plan, produce, and execute South Dakota's award-winning, year-round domestic and international marketing campaigns.

His curiosity and passion for the art and science behind most things have led Mike to develop a diverse marketing and business background. His experiences include campaign and product development, sales, analytics, photography and design, buying a business with his wife to become a small-business co-owner in the Black Hills, opening a wine bar, and serving on local non-profit boards.

Originally from Huron, Mike studied art at the University of South Dakota and journalism at South Dakota State University before beginning his career in the tourism industry as a photography intern with the South Dakota Department of Tourism in 2004.