Mayor TenHaken Announces Office Reorganization

Published on June 09, 2025

Mayor Paul TenHaken announced Monday his Public Relations and Communications Officer, Vanessa Gomez, will be promoted to Chief of Staff. Jenna Harris, who currently serves as a policy advisor in Mayor TenHaken’s Office, will transition to a Policy and Strategic Initiatives Advisor. This reorganization will be effective June 30, 2025, and follows the announcement of Erica Beck transitioning out of her role as Chief of Staff on June 27. 

“These changes are setting us up to finish my second term strong for our organization and community,” said Mayor TenHaken. “Vanessa has shown strong leadership since she joined my administration, and I know she will continue to shine in this role, helping guide our city alongside me. She has a heart for service and cares deeply about Sioux Falls.” 

Gomez joined Mayor TenHaken’s Office in December of 2022, serving in a key role to lead media strategies and communications efforts across the organization. 

“I’m incredibly grateful Mayor TenHaken has entrusted me with this opportunity. We have a phenomenal team I have the privilege of working alongside every day, and I look forward to continuing to serve our community together,” said Gomez. “When I moved to Sioux Falls in 2016 from Sacramento, CA, I had no idea the journey that was ahead. This community has given me and my family so much, and to be able to give back in this role is truly an honor.”

Prior to working at the City of Sioux Falls, Gomez worked in local television as a producer, reporter, and anchor, and in the marketing department at one of the largest employers in Sioux Falls, Sanford Health. Vanessa’s role will not be backfilled, but she will continue to serve as a public relations contact for media.  

Jenna Harris, who has led several critical, cross-departmental initiatives for the City, and represented Sioux Falls in State Legislative efforts, will now serve as Policy and Strategic Initiatives Advisor. She joined the City in January 2023 and has been instrumental in advancing innovative solutions to improve government efficiency and service delivery.