A Message from the Leadership South Dakota Directors
On September 7th, we held our second annual Leadership SD alumni event. It was fun to have an opportunity to be reconnected to friends who have experienced the program over the past three years. We have 117 active alumni that are all making a difference in their local communities, region and at the state level.
During our alumni luncheon, we heard from three alums who are SERVING their communities. Kevin Nyberg (Class of 2015) from ACE Hardware spoke about the impact of customer service and the foundation of service that defines the brand of ACE Hardware. Scott VandenBerg (Class of 2016) spoke about service to the community. Scott and his family give countless hours to the community through service at volunteer activities and formal Boards. Finally, Paige Carda (Class of 2017) shared the impact of her program on adult literacy in the Sioux Falls region. Her service to those in need of reading skills is improving the lives of many members of the Sioux Falls Community.
When we begin to review our list of alumni and monitor the service activities that all of you are doing, we are seeing the impact of Leadership SD on our state. As we begin our fourth program year, we look forward to adding more “servants” to our growing list of South Dakota citizens who are improving the lives of others through their selfless acts of service. Thank you for your service and best wishes for a delightful fall season!
Melmers & Osters
Leadership SD Directors
Leadership SD Class of 2018 program underway
The Class of 2018 kicked off their year on September 20-22 in Pierre. The class toured the South Dakota State Capitol, walked around Capitol Lake, and viewed the Fighting Stallions Memorial. Governor Dennis Daugaard and First Lady Linda Daugaard welcomed the class into the Governor’s Residence for a tour. The class also visited the George S. Mickelson Criminal Justice Building. They heard from a panel representing the Governor’s Cabinet, including Andy Gerlach, Secretary of Dept. of Revenue; Marcia Hultman, Secretary of Dept. of Labor; Scott Stern, Commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economi c Development; Liza Clark, Commissioner of the Bureau of Finance and Management; and, Laurie Gill, Commissioner of the Bureau of Human Resources. Steve Willard, President of the SD Broadcaster’s Association was also a guest speaker. The class toured the Cultural Heritage Museum and the South Dakota Women’s Prison. During the World Café Activity the class heard from Katie Sieverding ; South Dakota Retailer’s Association; Halley Lee, South Dakota Banker’s Association; Jason Hancock, Legislative Research Council; Wade Pogany, Associated School Boards of South Dakota; and, Rob Wylie, South Dakota Retirement System. The class also heard from Tony Venhuizen, Chief of Staff for Governor Daugaard, and Laura Schoen Carbonneau, who is a Leadership SD Alumni (’16). The class will meet next in Brookings on October 18-20.
Leadership South Dakota Alumni Updates and Celebrations
Nancy Wenande (’17) was awarded the 2016-2017 Service to Mankind award from the Yankton Sertoma Club.
Mark Millage (’15) started a new job in August at LifeScape Foundation as Development Officer.
Jason Salamun (‘16) was elected President of the Rapid City Council.
Alissa Matt (‘16) welcomed baby boy (Thomas Ronald Matt) on July 27, 2017.
Laura Shattuck (’16) moved to Denver and started a job at DTI Global in July.