MEDORA — Clarence Sitter has been named chief executive officer for the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation (TRMF). He succeeds Randy Hatzenbuhler, who is retiring after almost 40 years of leadership and will remain president emeritus until October 2025.

According to a TRMF news release, since joining TRMF in 2012, Sitter has played a key role in shaping Medora’s success, overseeing all aspects of its operations, strengthening community partnerships and leading significant enhancements to the visitor experience. As CEO, he will guide major initiatives such as the new 100-unit Presidential Lodge, the Ranch at Bully Pulpit, which includes a 350-person event center, and the Western Heritage Rodeo Arena. His leadership comes at a pivotal time as Medora celebrates its 60th anniversary.

A certified public accountant, Sitter holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting and a Master’s in business administration from the University of Mary in Bismarck, earning a spot as an inaugural graduate of the Harold Schafer Leadership Program. Before joining TRMF, he spent more than a decade in public accounting with Eide Bailly. In addition, he also has served as the president of the Medora Chamber of Commerce, is currently one of North Dakota’s representatives on the American Institute of CPAs Council, and an elected member of the Medora City Council.

“Medora is a place like no other and one of North Dakota’s treasures. I look forward to leading Medora through these exciting and transformative years, enhancing our visitor experience, and staying true to what makes Medora so special,” Sitter said in the release.t