Leadership South Dakota is proud to announce the 41 participants selected for its Class of 2027. This fall, they'll gather in Pierre to begin the organization's 14th class, representing a wide range of industries and communities from across South Dakota.
"This class represents some of the best of what South Dakota has to offer," said Leadership South Dakota Executive Director John Meyer. "We're proud to welcome them and excited to see what they do with the year ahead."
Leadership South Dakota exists to develop leaders who know this state, care about its people, and are invested in its future. Each of the program's six sessions takes participants into a different region of South Dakota for 48 hours, where they tour local operations, hear directly from community and industry leaders, and experience each place firsthand. The program is built around immersion, exposure to a wide range of leadership styles and voices, and the relationships participants build with each other along the way.
The program's core values of Discover, Connect, Do guide each cohort to look at themselves and their state with fresh eyes, forge meaningful connections with peers and mentors, and carry that energy into action in their personal and professional lives.
Each session highlights a different region of South Dakota, offering participants a firsthand look at local industries, community challenges and opportunities, and the leaders shaping that area.
With more than 550 graduates in the Leadership South Dakota alumni network, past participants consistently describe the experience as transformative, both personally and professionally.
"Leadership SD surprised me in so many good ways. Growing up here, I seriously did not understand how cool SD is, how many opportunities there are, and what a blessing it is to call home. What really exceeded my expectations are the relationships I'm walking away with, and the feeling of being so well taken care of and supported that I can take on the final verb of the [Leadership SD] motto: Do." — Sarah Meagher, Class of 2026
"Working in corporate for 20+ years, what surprised me was this was not your traditional leadership development program. This creates the community leader, which comes in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and pathways." — Dave Rogers, Class of 2025
"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
"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. More than that, it propelled me in the right direction, giving me the confidence and clarity to take a leap of faith and pursue my childhood dream." — Dominika Blum, Class of 2023
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, and challenging each one to act on what the experience stirs within them. Through the support of generous sponsors and alumni, the program continues to grow its impact statewide.
Applications for the Class of 2028 will open in early 2027. Learn more at LeadershipSouthDakota.com.