Getting Things Done with Michael “Mike” Huether
Michael “Mike” Huether makes the most of every God-given day and encourages others to do the same. A 2025 South Dakota Hall of Fame Inductee, Mike is widely known as “Mayor Mike,” but his legacy reaches far beyond a title. It is a story of grit, risk, resilience, teamwork, and a deep belief that when people come together, remarkable things can happen.
“When I had the honor to serve Sioux Falls as Mayor,” Mike shared, “The city and our citizens had a confidence level second to none. We now feel that when we work together, there is nothing we can’t accomplish.”
That confidence did not appear overnight. It was built through hard seasons, bold decisions, and a willingness to “step into the arena,” so to speak.
Growing Through Challenge
Mike grew up in Yankton, South Dakota, on what he describes as “the poor side of town.” His parents divorced when he was in fifth grade. His father struggled with alcoholism, and in his absence, his mother worked tirelessly as a nurse while raising four children.
“It was really, really challenging,” Mike said. “But it certainly impacted me in a very positive way, too. I had to work harder. I had to learn how to fight through the struggles of life.”
He remembers the teasing and hand-me-downs. The feeling of being behind. But he also remembers the tough love from coaches, teachers, and mentors who pushed him to give more than he thought he could.
“I had a big chip on my shoulder,” he admitted. That chip became fuel. It pushed him to prove that circumstances do not define destiny.
After graduating from South Dakota State University, Mike built a successful career in corporate America. At Citibank and later PREMIER Bankcard, he helped grow businesses, create jobs, and lead teams across South Dakota and beyond. Yet even with professional success, he felt something was missing.
“I had an emptiness inside,” he said. “I wasn’t as fulfilled as I wanted to be.”
A Sixth Grade Dream Turned Reality
In 2009, Mike and his family made a bold decision. He left a successful executive career to pursue a dream he had held since sixth grade: public service.
“No one’s going to hand it to me,” he said. So he campaigned full-time. There were those who doubted him, and many sleepless nights. There were moments when “seeds of doubt crept in.”
But he won. And then he won again.
“It was truly a dream come true,” reminisced Mike.
As mayor of Sioux Falls, Mike helped lead the city through a period of visible transformation. Long-discussed projects such as the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, Midco Aquatic Center, River Greenway, rail yard redevelopment, and pension reform became realities.
He is quick to point out that these accomplishments were not his alone. “It wasn’t Mike or Mayor Mike that accomplished this stuff on his own,” he said.
Mike built a small advisory team rooted in trust. “Find people that you can trust,” he advises. “Keep it small, but keep it a group that you know they’re going to bust through walls with you.”
As projects were completed, the community’s spirit strengthened. “We tackled a big beast,” he said. “And it really set the tone.” One success led to another, and confidence replaced hesitation. Getting things done became contagious for Mike.
A Life Never Taken for Granted
Mike’s life lessons were not only shaped by success but also by hardship.
“Our best life lessons come from the pitfalls we face, mistakes made, risks taken, and the rewards captured with it.”
One of the most profound turning points in his life came when Mike’s father was diagnosed with cancer. Doctors gave his father a year to live, and told him to make the very most of it. Heartbreakingly, Mike’s father passed away the very next day.
“Don’t take any day for granted,” Mike said quietly. “Make the impact.”
Since then, he has lived with urgency and intention. He starts each day with a written list. “I start my day with a to-do list. Let’s go.” Crossing off each accomplishment gives him energy to keep moving forward.
He speaks often about faith, gratitude, and stewardship. “I don’t want to waste this time,” he said. “I’m going to go hard.”
A Lasting Impact
Mike and Cindy established the Mike, Cindy, and Kylie Huether Family Foundation in 2009. Their guiding principle is simple and inclusive. They support causes that are open to all. From mental health initiatives to education, athletics, and quality of life improvements, their philanthropy reflects the same belief that shaped his public service: opportunity should be available to everyone.
Today, Mike continues to write, speak, mentor, and serve. He treasures being a husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He continues adding to what he calls his “magic list” of goals, not out of restlessness, but out of gratitude for the time he has been given.
From the east side of Yankton to leading South Dakota’s largest city, Michael “Mike” Huether’s story is a testament to bold risk-taking and the power of teamwork.
Watch the full interview with Michael “Mike” Huether, hosted by Laurie Becvar, CEO of the South Dakota Hall of Fame, below to hear his story in his own words.