Walter Schaefer

Walter Schaefer serves as the Vice President of Human Resources for Daktronics, where he leads the company’s strategy to accelerate the company’s Success through People initiative toward long‑term mutual prosperity for teams and individuals. In this role, Walter oversees organization design and staffing, talent performance and development, compensation and benefits, leader development, and employee communications, ensuring HR practices anticipate and align with the company’s evolving needs and growth.

Before becoming Vice President of Human Resources, Walter spent nearly a decade supporting Daktronics’ manufacturing operations, leading HR across nine factories in the United States, Ireland, China, and Mexico. In that role, he worked closely with divisional leaders to strengthen workforce performance, guide organizational development, and ensure consistent people practices across global teams. This experience provides him with a strong understanding of how aligned HR strategies support operational excellence.

Walter’s approach to HR is grounded in respect for people, effective teamwork, and continuous improvement. He focuses on building systems that support employee development, strengthen retention, and create a consistent, positive employee experience. His goal is to ensure Daktronics is well-positioned with the talent and people practices needed to support the company’s long-term growth.

Walter has served on several community boards, including the Belgian Draft Horse Corporation of America and the Belgian Alliance Board of Trustees, with previous service on the Disability Awareness Commission and the Sioux Falls Human Relations Commission. Outside of work, he enjoys time with his family, the outdoors, weekends at the lake, and staying connected to his family’s farm and Belgian draft horse heritage.

A native of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Walter holds a Master of Science in Administrative Studies with a specialization in Human Resources from the University of South Dakota and a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture/Education from South Dakota State University. He also maintains SPHR and SHRM‑SCP professional certifications and is a graduate of Leadership Sioux Falls (Class 23).