Michelle Kakacek is a graduate of the University of SD, with a degree in Political Science with an emphasis in Public Administration. She worked for Watertown Development Company (WDC) for nearly 9 years, serving as its Director of Business Development, Interim Executive Director, and Executive Director and assumed the role of Director of SD Manufacturing & Technology Solutions in 2023. She is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) through the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and serves on its Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) Review Committee. Prior to her time in economic development, Kakacek spent 7 years in Supply Chain at an international electronics manufacturer.

Kakacek lives in Watertown in a manufacturing family, with husband Jamie who is designer and drafter at Signs by Benchmark, and their 2 children, Alex and Grace.