Leadership South Dakota is proud to announce the 40 participants selected for its Class of 2026. Each year, the program welcomes a new class of changemakers committed to strengthening communities across the state. This group will meet in Pierre this September to kick off the organization’s 12th class.
Each month, participants visit a different region of South Dakota, spending 48 hours immersed in local industries, challenges, and leadership stories. This hands-on format fosters a deeper understanding of the state’s diverse regions and builds strong relationships among participants.
“This class brings together a dynamic group of leaders from across South Dakota,” said Executive Director John Meyer. “We’re continually inspired by their passion and potential. They reflect the strength and diversity of our state, and we can’t wait to watch them grow and connect over the coming year.”
Leadership South Dakota equips class members to make a greater impact in their organizations and communities. The program’s core values of Discover, Connect, Do guide each class as they uncover new perspectives, build lasting relationships, and take action beyond the program.
Class of 2026 Roster
- Abby Kuper (Sioux Falls) – Sanford Health
- Albert Pavlinac (Sioux Falls) – Pinnacle Productions
- Alexcia Kalal (Box Elder) – Rapid City Police Dept.
- Amy Miller (Webster) – SD Department of Education
- Andrew Sogn (Brookings) – Dakota State University
- Arin Gonseth (Brandon) – MarketBeat Media, LLC
- Ashton Dockendorf (Freeman) – Lemonly
- Breanne Lynch (Sioux Falls) – Harrisburg School District
- Briana Vande Pol (Rapid City) – SD Governor’s Office of Economic Development
- Brittany Wagner (Yankton) – Yankton Thrive
- Cale Feller (Sioux Falls) – Avera Health
- Callie Meyer (Rapid City) – Visit Rapid City
- Carly Heard (Vermillion) – University of South Dakota
- Cassi Severson (Sioux Falls) – Lawrence & Schiller
- Courtney Jacobson (Sioux Falls) – Sammons Financial Group
- Greg Jasmer (Harrisburg) – Marsh McLennan Agency
- Jared Bender (Custer) – Black Hills Energy
- Jennifer Jung (Tea) – The Bancorp
- Joel Hermann (Rapid City) – First Interstate Bank
- Jordan Bonstrom (Vermillion) – University of South Dakota
- Joshua Brown (Sioux Falls) – Boyce Law Firm LLP
- Kelly Marshall (Sioux Falls) – RAS
- Kelly Nyberg (Sioux Falls) – Nyberg’s ACE
- Kelsie Ficken (Rapid City) – Monument Health Foundation
- Kyle Laughlin (Rapid City) – Black Hills Special Service Cooperative
- Lee Kaffar (Dell Rapids) – HDR Engineering
- Levi Rustand (Brandon) – POET
- Megan Greenfield (Sioux Falls) – SDN Communications
- Melody Westra (Sioux Falls) – First PREMIER Bank
- Mike Baumgarn (Bath) – Northwestern Energy
- Mohamed Elfaruk (Milbank) – Valley Queen Cheese Factory
- Olivia Essig (Sioux Falls) – Sanford Health
- Ryan Hoffman (Parker) – Lloyd Construction
- Sadie Haugen (Flandreau) – PREMIER Bankcard
- Samantha VanEck (Sioux Falls) – South Dakota Trust Company
- Sarah Meagher (Sioux Falls) – EmBe
- Stacie Suedkamp (Flandreau) – Fig Tales
- Tanner Hento (Avon) – Hento Bros.
- Tim Hanigan (Aberdeen) – Aberdeen Development Corp.
- Zakaria Okuwe (Sioux Falls) – Sanford Health and STEM the Gap
Session Locations – Class of 2026
Session locations often include surrounding communities as well.
- Pierre – September 2025
- Brookings – October 2025
- Rapid City – November 2025
- Aberdeen – January 2026
- Mission – February 2026
- Sioux Falls – March 2026
- Oacoma Graduation – March 2026
What Alumni Say
With over 500 graduates in its alumni network, Leadership South Dakota’s influence continues to grow. Alumni have launched nonprofits, run for office, formed cross-sector partnerships, stepped into leadership roles across the state, and continued their education. These outcomes offer just a glimpse of the ripple effect sparked by this one-of-a-kind experience.
“I made 40 lifelong friends while traversing the beautiful state of South Dakota, which I now see through a broader lens. I leave with memories to last a lifetime, knowledge to inspire, and momentum to make an impact.”
— Ryan Schmitman, Class of 2025
“Leadership South Dakota was one of the most pivotal personal and professional experiences of my life. I’m honored to be an alum and do my part to better our state and community.”
— Vince Danh, Class of 2024
“This program deepened my appreciation and love for South Dakota in ways I never expected. It took me to places I may have never seen, introduced me to incredible people who have become lifelong friends, and gave me a community that welcomes me with open arms.”
— Dominika Blum, Class of 2023
“Leadership South Dakota opened my eyes to so many wonderful people and places across the state. The program encouraged me to take risks, broaden my network, and serve my community in new ways.”
— Nick Wendell, Class of 2015
About Leadership South Dakota
Founded in 2014, Leadership South Dakota is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to building a stronger South Dakota by connecting and equipping engaged leaders. The program is supported by a broad base of sponsors and partners who believe in developing the state’s next generation of changemakers.
Gold Sponsors: First PREMIER Bank, Sanford Health
Silver Sponsors: Avera Health, Black Hills Energy, First Interstate Bank, Marsh McLennan Agency, MarketBeat, Monument Health, POET, Sammons Financial Group, SDN Communications, South Dakota Trust Company, Valley Queen Cheese
Bronze Sponsors: Daktronics, Marco, Midco, Northwestern Energy, South Dakota Community Foundation, Viaflex
In-Kind Sponsors: Boyce Law Firm, Dakota Resources, Lawrence & Schiller, Pinnacle Productions
To learn more about the Class of 2026 and the growing network of Leadership South Dakota alumni, visit LeadershipSouthDakota.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
John Meyer, Executive Director
Leadership South Dakota
John@LeadershipSouthDakota.com