July 12, 2022

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Angie Ruiter, director of settlement operations with Central Payments.

Name: Angie Ruiter

Hometown: Beresford

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

On a personal level, growing up in a small town in South Dakota I wanted to have the convenience of shopping on a Sunday without driving miles to get to retail facilities! On a career level, after college I returned to my hometown to work at a bank when I discovered I really liked the financial industry and the products associated with transferring and saving money. After five years at the bank, I wanted something more both personally and professionally. I moved into the underserved market in Sioux Falls, where I learned about offering financial products to those less fortunate.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

I am intrigued by the diversity of financial services in the Sioux Falls area. It’s a “big city” in the Midwest with a hometown feel. I feel I am a part of a community that welcomes and accepts people for who they are and encourages them to succeed without bias or restriction.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?  

At Central Payments, I appreciate the newness of each day. It’s innovative, challenging, collaborative and fun! I’m a part of a team who invites fresh ideas to the table and strives for the success of our employees and partners.

How did you get connected to your industry?  

I was an intern during college at First Savings Bank, was hired on full time after graduation and grew into the industry once I moved to Sioux Falls and was able to create friendships and colleague relationships. I was even given the opportunity to become an ACH Accredited Professional, AAP, in 2010 and continue to maintain my credentials today.

Describe Central Payments in three words.

Opportunity for success.

What is something someone might be surprised to learn about you?

I lived in California for three years in my 30s. While there, I made a few friends in the entertainment industry who had a drive to be stuntmen. One of the stunts was skydiving. I went along one day to see what all the hype was about, and the next thing I knew, I was registering for a four-hour class to jump out of a plane, free-fall for 8,000 feet, pull a parachute from my backpack and gracefully float to the ground for the next 5,000 feet. Yes, I went skydiving from 13,000 feet in Paris, California! I had the event recorded to the song “Sweet Emotion” by Aerosmith, figuring my family and friends wouldn’t believe I took the leap. I chose the song “Sweet Emotion” because it was the most thrilling adrenaline rush I could have ever imagined in free-fall that suddenly turned to a quiet stillness under the parachute. Amazing, truly amazing.

What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?

I cherish any ability I have to provide to others. I contribute to giving holiday stockings to the Glory House, donations to the Humane Society, Food Pantry, Junior Achievement bowling to name a few. I have participated in multiple events for Special Olympics, Girl Scouts, the VFW, serving at the Worthing dinner theater, and diabetic and cancer walks.

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

Traders Joe’s. Charles Shaw wine and the chocolate peanut butter cups are the best on a budget!

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Professionally, I see myself leading a team of subject matter experts within Central Payments and being a representative engaged in the innovative success of our partners. Personally, I want to have one of the best gardens in town. I have a passion for gardening and making salsa, and every year I work to make my garden a haven to relax and enjoy nature.