Karla Santi

As chief executive officer of Blend Interactive, Karla is responsible for the leadership, strategic direction, and initiatives while aligning with the company's mission, vision, and values.

Karla recognized the early potential within the web development industry and began working in web design in the 1990s. She owned her firm, Santi Interactive, before co-founding Blend Interactive in 2005. Sixteen years later, she has helped to grow Blend into a multi-million dollar company with an international client base.

Karla is an active member of the business community, currently serving on the board of directors for the Sioux Falls Development Foundation, including the Talent & Workforce committee, where she helps to attract and retain employees at the state and local levels. As a business founder herself, Karla serves on the board for Startup Sioux Falls, where she aims to meet the changing needs of the entrepreneurial community. Karla has also served on the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the Chamber's Business Leadership Council.

Karla recently graduated from the SBA's Emerging Leaders program and represented South Dakota during the national graduation ceremony. She has also graduated from Leadership South Dakota and has been recognized as a female in tech, often speaking publically on behalf of the technology platforms Blend implements.