STURGIS - Mayor Rod Bradley has appointed Dawn Christenson as the city’s next finance officer, bringing an experienced accounting and local government professional to advance the city’s financial operations.

Her appointment was approved by the Sturgis City Council at its Monday, Nov. 2, meeting.

Christenson will begin work Nov. 9, as finance officer designate, focusing on the city’s financial priorities. Current Finance Officer Ann Bertolotto will remain in her position through Dec. 11.

“Dawn brings valuable experience to the city’s financial operations,” Bradley said. “She will hit the ground running, reviewing and improving upon our financial operations and helping us build strong financial practices and reporting.”

Christenson brings more than 20 years of experience in accounting, payroll, financial reporting and office administration. Her background includes county government, public accounting and rural water system operations.

Christenson currently serves as Meade County auditor, a position she has held since November 2025. In a Sept. 17, letter to the Meade County Commission, Christenson submitted her resignation effective Nov. 6. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve county residents and pledged to ensure a smooth transition before her departure.

She joined the county as a deputy auditor in February 2024 and also served as chief deputy auditor. Her county responsibilities have included assisting with the annual budget, administering property tax levy and billing processes, preparing annual financial reports, overseeing office staff and managing elections. Her previous duties included payroll, accounts payable, bank reconciliations and maintaining the general ledger.

Before joining Meade County, Christenson worked as an accounting services associate at Ketel Thorstenson in Spearfish, providing payroll, tax reporting, reconciliation and financial statement services for multiple clients.

She previously spent more than 15 years with Big Sioux Community Water System in Egan, handling bookkeeping, billing, payroll, financial reporting and audit preparation.

Christenson completed the Accounting Clerk program at Southeast Technical Institute in Sioux Falls, where she earned Director’s List recognition.

As finance officer, Christenson will direct the city’s financial operations and work with city leadership and department heads to improve financial reporting, support budget planning and guide the responsible management of public funds.