Meet The Team

Mara joined the sales team two days after graduating from Augustana in 2005 and has not looked back. She can talk automotive in one meeting and the latest trends in the healthcare, grocery or HVAC industry in the next! She enjoys finding the best solution for each client from the many platforms the Dakota News Now has to offer.

Eric started his career in advertising in 2005 after graduating from the University of South Dakota. Initially going to college for computer science, he quickly realized his true passion lied in helping businesses grow. Eric's passion helps to find that great marketing idea that makes businesses stand out from the competition.

Since 2007, Leah has helped fabulous and passionate business owners SHINE on all media platforms! She creates results-driven digital and broadcast marketing strategies for small businesses, entrepreneurs, corporations, non-profits, and ad agencies that can catapult them to expert status in their niche!

Beth has been with Dakota News Now since 2012. She loves building a rapport and long-term relationships with clients, by working with them to build multimedia marketing campaigns. Connecting clients with their target customers and contributing to their success by going the extra mile is her ultimate goal each day.

Arrin joined the Dakota News Now Sales Team in 2020. Her years as a media buyer gives her a unique outlook on how to integrate multiple platforms to reach an audience no matter the time, place or device. She enjoys each step of the journey from brainstorming to results and is dedicated to helping clients grow their business.

Kayla joined Dakota News Now in September of 2021. Kayla loves to build long-term relationships with clients and create customized multimedia marketing campaigns for local businesses. Kayla is driven to meet the needs of all clients to ensure success for each business she works with.

Ali joined the sales team in 2022. She enlisted into the US Army Reserves after high school & hopes to continue to serve for 20 years. She understands each business is different requires its own unique plan. Her passion for helping others is what motivates her to ensure a business’s needs & goals are not only met, but exceeded.

Joining Dakota News Now in 2023, Mariah brings valuable experience with marketing agencies & specialized training in trending media. From a proud military family, she embodies a commitment to excellence & a deep sense of community. Along With a passion for fostering connections, she leverages these skills to craft innovative multimedia campaigns.

Jim became the President and General Manager of Dakota News Now in 2010, and he says it was the best move he’s ever made! One of the most gratifying parts of his job is working with the Dakota News Now sales team and their clients to develop and support solutions that help their businesses grow. Phone: 605-373-7313

Michael started his journey in media back in 1990 at KSOO radio in Sioux Falls, spent time doing TV sales in Kansas City, then directed three sales teams in Montana. In 2013, he became Dakota News Now General Sales Manager. His over 30 years in marketing have taught him the correct advertising can change behaviors. Phone: 605-373-7340

Kaig joined the Dakota News Now team in 2018 as the Director of Digital Marketing. He loves assisting the team to come up with the perfect, custom digital marketing plan for each client. By utilizing the best strategies in the industry, Kaig can create a campaign that will get any client’s ad in front of their ideal consumer. Phone: 605-336-1300

Jon Decker is the White House Correspondent and Senior National Editor for Gray Television and has been a member of the White House Press Corps since 1995.

Peter Zampa joined the Gray Television Washington News Bureau in June 2015 as a multimedia journalist.

Brendan Cullerton joined the Gray Television Washington News Bureau in March 2022 as a multimedia journalist after spending four years covering state, local, and federal politics for the CBS affiliate in Milwaukee.

I started working at Gray TV’s Washington D.C. bureau in May of 2023. I found my calling for news while attending Butler University during the Ferguson Riots after the killing of Michael Brown, an unarmed teenager. During the chaotic times is when I realized how facts and storytelling can really impact a community.

Molly Martinez rejoined Gray Television in March 2022 as a multimedia journalist in the Washington News Bureau. She previously covered politics at Gray TV's KFYR-TV in Bismarck, N.D.

Ashonti Ford joined Gray Television in August of 2023. Ford is a well-traveled watchdog journalist who has worked for newsrooms around the nation, including; Tampa, Kansas City, Decatur, Wichita and Salisbury.

Stetson Miller joined the Gray Television Washington News Bureau in February 2023 as a multimedia journalist after working at WTOP, WJZ in Baltimore and WCBD in Charleston, SC.

Josh Rultenberg joined the Gray Television Washington News Bureau in July 2022 as a multimedia journalist.

Annie has worked at various news outlets in Washington, D.C., including covering the 2020 and 2022 election cycles for C-SPAN. Before that she worked at local stations in Louisiana and Virginia.

Joshua worked at several local stations before moving to Washington, D.C.. There he launched a national morning show, "The National Desk" for Sinclair. He now works as a producer for the Gray Washington News Bureau.

Leah Vredenbregt joined the Gray Washington Bureau team in June 2023 as a weekend producer. She is a recent University of Missouri grad who worked for three years in mid-Missouri news, with internships across the country in both local and national news outlets.

Michael is a born and raised Ohioian who got his photojournalism start at his alma mater Ohio University working for PBS in 2007. He has gone on to work for several media outlets both locally and nationally, shooting award winning news and documentary stories, garnering him an Emmy and Edward Murrow award.

Tyler Smith joined the Gray Television Washington News Bureau in July 2019 as a photojournalist/editor.

Lee leads Gray Television’s National Investigative Team. Lee also works as an Evening News Anchor and Chief Investigative Reporter at WVUE.

Jamie is InvestigateTV's managing editor. She coordinates content and produces stories with a particular passion for digging into government programs and waste, health care policy and education.

Greg specializes in consumer investigations and stories exposing scams and rip-offs.

Wade leads the production workflow and strategy development of digital content for Gray Television’s National Investigative Team. He started his digital career in Atlanta, GA in 2009 after graduating from the University of Alabama.

Rachel is an investigative journalist with more than 20 years’ experience.

Heather Graf is an award-winning journalist for InvestigateTV+, working as a national reporter based in Washington, D.C.

Joce is a national investigative reporter focused on accountability reporting on the failures of government agencies, product flaws and other transparency issues.

National reporter for InvestigateTV+

Caresse Jackman is a national consumer investigative reporter with a focus on exposing scams and digging into consumer concerns.

Jon Decker is the White House Correspondent and Senior National Editor for Gray Television and has been a member of the White House Press Corps since 1995.

Jill is an investigative producer with decades of experience reporting on health, safety and corruption.

Emily is an investigative journalist with a background in several forms of media and an MBA in business management.

Owen tries to bring a modern and cinematic look to investigative storytelling with dynamic and engaging animations and videography.

Scotty is an investigative photojournalist based in Washington DC.

Daniela is a bilingual investigative producer for InvestigateTV.

Daniel Heffner is a Special Projects Producer for 12 On Your Side in Virginia. He started his career in Lynchburg, Virginia in 2010, and joined 12 On Your Side in 2013.