A Sturgis man has been named as the replacement for longtime Black Hills, Badlands & Lakes Association president Bill Honerkamp.

Nort Johnson, a Minnesota native with past experience as a marketer, printing plant manager and economic development promoter, has been named as president and chief executive officer of the state’s largest tourism trade association.

Johnson, who is currently serving as vice president for marketing at Black Hills, Badlands & Lakes, will take the reins Oct. 12.

The organization's board of directors formally approved Johnson’s promotion at a meeting July 29. Johnson will be only the ninth CEO to direct the organization since it began promoting tourism in 1939. He has four grown children and five grandchildren.

Current president Bill Honerkamp completes 30 years with the organization Oct. 1 and will step down. A retirement party is planned in conjunction with the organization’s annual meeting Oct. 28.