ABOUT
CHILDREN’S HOME SOCIETY

Sioux Falls

Michelle’s hometown is Huron, and she continues to maintain a farm there as well as a home in Sioux Falls. Michelle and her husband, Paul, have one child, Kris, and two grandchildren, Rebecca and Deacon. Prior to assuming the CEO role at CHS, Michelle held executive level positions with Avera, University of South Dakota and Raven Industries. She earned her BS and MBA from Northwestern University in Chicago. Michelle enjoys traveling, reading, cooking, exercise and family. She is immediate Past President of the South Dakota Hall of Fame and serves on the boards of RAS and Sioux Falls Development Foundation. She is Past President of the South Dakota Symphony, Past President of Downtown Sioux Falls Rotary and Past Board Member of Ronald McDonald House, Washington Pavilion and the University of South Dakota Foundation. Michelle serves on the Advisory Council of the Beacom School of Business at the University of South Dakota.

Sioux Falls

Allison came to CHS as a leader in Human Resources from Southeastern Behavioral where she led HR for five years. Allison holds a Senior Certified Professional Certificate, the highest certification available through SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management)

Sioux Falls

Shannon grew up in Huron. She and her husband, Nathan, have two sons: “little” Nathan and Aidan. She earned an MPA from the University of South Dakota. Prior to joining the CHS team, Shannon worked for The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society doing affordable housing development for 14 years. Prior to working at Good Samaritan, Shannon worked in public accounting as an auditor for 10 years in Sioux City, IA, and Sioux Falls. Shannon enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and reading.

Sioux Falls

Jon grew up in Marion and currently lives in Sioux Falls. He and his wife, Jenny, have six-year-old twins, Wilson and Sloane. Prior to joining the CHS team and Foundation, Jon worked for six and half years in various fundraising and leadership positions with the University of South Dakota Foundation. Most recently Jon spent three and a half years as the Associate Vice President for Development at Augustana University. He earned his BA and MPA from The University of South Dakota. Jon holds the Certified Fundraising Executive credential and has a Certificate in Fundraising Management from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Jon enjoys golfing, travel, time with friends and family, University of South Dakota sporting events and attending Wilson and Sloane’s many activities. Jon is a member of Sioux Falls Downtown Rotary, he is also a classroom volunteer for Junior Achievement and serves on the Resource Development Committee for Lost&Found.

Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls

Occupation:Co-Founder/Co-Chair, South Dakota News Watch

Lifelong journalist Jack Marsh, a retired media and foundation executive, is a 2020 inductee in the South Dakota Hall of Fame, honored for his commitment to excellence, truth, ethics, human rights and diversity. Jack has been recognized with distinguished service and lifetime achievement awards from the Native American Journalists Association, South Dakota Newspaper Association, University of South Dakota and Pi Lambda Phi. Jack was taken as a hunka (adopted) brother by the Hunkpapa Lakota on the Standing Rock Reservation in 2015. He is co-founder of South Dakota News Watch and has served on multiple nonprofit boards. He is past chair of News Watch, Sioux Falls Board of Ethics, Face It TOGETHER and the Elimination of Prejudice Foundation. Jack is a native of New York and earned a BA from Baldwin Wallace University. He and his wife, Betty, a retired school counselor, have two daughters, Dr. Elizabeth Jensen of Garretson, SD, and Colleen Olson of Kansas City, MO, and seven grandchildren.

Rapid City

Occupation: VP - Governance, Corporate Secretary and Deputy General Counsel, Black Hills Corporation

Amy is VP—Governance, Corporate Secretary and Deputy General Counsel, Black Hills Corporation. She is a member of the South Dakota State Bar, the Wyoming State Bar, the Association of Corporate Counsel, the Society of Governance Professionals and the National Association of Corporate Directors. She is a certified governance professional and serves as an advisor for the Women in Leadership Program at the University of North Dakota. Amy’s hometown is Yankton, SD. She earned a BS in ChemE at South Dakota Mines, and a JD from the University of South Dakota School of Law. Amy has two children: Mason and Ellie.

Sioux Falls

Occupation: Registered Nurse, Fmr. SD State Senator, Retired Healthcare Director

Lifelong registered nurse and leader in healthcare, Deb is a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing. In 2021 she finished her eight-year term as a South Dakota State Senator from District 14 where she initiated Jolene’s Law Task Force and led the development and funding for the SD Center for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment. She was co-chair of the Healthcare Innovation Task Force for the National Conference of State Legislatures. Deb has served on numerous boards, such as SF Chamber, SD Board of Nursing, SD Nurses Association, SDSU Council of Trustees, Women in Balance, Ronald McDonald House and the University of Sioux Falls Center for Women. Deb’s hometown is Mayville, ND. She earned her BSN from the University of North Dakota and an MSN from South Dakota State University. She and her husband, Jerry, have three adult children: Josh, Sam, and Molly, and four grandchildren: Jake, Maya, Brooke, and Morgan.

Mesquite, TX

Occupation: Retired

Sally and her husband, Ken, live in Mesquite, TX. They have five adult children. Sally is a graduate of the University of North Texas with a BA in Journalism. Sally is the great-great-granddaughter of Elizabeth Bixby Sherrard, Children’s Home Society’s founder, and as such holds an honorary seat on the Children’s Home Society Board of Directors.

Rapid City, SD

Occupation: Owner/Manager, Buffalo Wild Wings

Matt is the Owner/Manager of Buffalo Wild Wings in Rapid City, SD. His hometown is Rapid City and he graduated from Augustana University with a degree in Business Administration. Matt and his wife, Sarah, have three children: Ezra, Lane and Reagan. He has volunteered with Special Olympics and enjoys spending time with family and friends, golfing, skiing and anything in the outdoors.

Rapid City

Darla is retired from the South Dakota Army National Guard and the US Army. Darla belongs to Rushmore Rotary, Women’s Veterans of the Black Hills and American Legion #246. She serves on the Central States Fair Foundation Board, Veteran’s Court, Rushmore Rotary, the ESGR (Employer Support of Guard and Reserve) and on the Liturgy Committee at Blessed Sacrament Church. Darla is originally from Wall. She received her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Black Hills State University and her Masters of Education and Masters of Science in Guidance Counseling and Human Resource Development from South Dakota State University. Darla is married to Douglas and they live in Rapid City.

Rapid City

Occupation: President/CEO, Monument Health

Paulette is President and CEO of Monument Health in Rapid City, SD. She is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a Certified Member of the American College of Medical Practice Executives. Paulette also serves on the boards of Elevate Rapid City, South Dakota Chamber of Commerce, South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations and Monument Health Systems. Paulette’s hometown is Waukegan, IL. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a BS in Business Administration and earned her MBA from the University of Notre Dame. She and her husband, Dru, live in Rapid City and have three adult children: Alanna, Payton and Alyssa. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, horseback riding and spending time with family

Sioux Falls

Occupation: Lawyer, Dougherty & Dougherty, LLP

Tim is a partner in the law firm of Dougherty & Dougherty, LLP. His practice includes lobbying, business and real estate transactions, wills and trusts, probate and family law. Tim is a member of the Board of Bar Commissioners of the State Bar of South Dakota and serves on the board of managers of Dougherty Trust Company LLC. He formerly served on the boards of Avera at Home LLC, Friends of South Dakota Public Broadcasting, South Dakota Art Museum, Wegner Arboretum Society, Washington Pavilion of Arts and Sciences, Senior Citizen Services Inc., and Sioux Empire Fair Association. He also served as a member of the South Dakota Transportation Commission, the Governor’s Commission on Child Support and the Sioux Falls Board of Adjustment. Tim is a lifelong resident of Sioux Falls. He graduated from the University of South Dakota and received his law degree from the University of South Dakota School of Law. Tim is married to Federal District Court Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Kyle

Occupation: Oglala Sioux Tribe Vocational Rehabilitation Program Counselor

Heath is a Vocational Rehabilitation Program Counselor for the Oglala Sioux Tribe. His hometown is Eagle Butte, SD. Heath lives in Kyle with his family and has two childeren who fill him with immense pride. He graduated from the Oglala Lakota College with a BA in Lakota Studies in 2013. Heath formerly served on the boards of the Lakota Waldorf School in Kyle, SD, and Oaye Luta Okolakiciye in Rapid City.

Rapid City

Now retired, Steve currenlty serves on the Black Hills Area Community Foundation, South Dakota Hall of Fame, and Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park Foundation boards. Steve’s hometown is Huron, SD. He graduated from the University of South Dakota with a BS in Political Science and History. Steve and his wife, Mary Helen, live in Rapid City and have two adult children and three grandchildren. He enjoys skiing, mountain biking, traveling, reading history and biographies, good conversation, listening to music/jazz, and fine foods and wine with family and friends.

Sioux Falls

Occupation: Vice President of Facilities, CorTrust Bank

Gina is Vice President of Facilities of CorTrust Bank in Sioux Falls. Her hometown is Mitchell, and she has a degree in Tailoring and Textiles from Minnesota West. She and her husband, Jack, have three children and one grandchild. Gina enjoys biking, reading, sewing and spending time with family.

Rapid City

Occupation: Human Relations Commission Coordinator, City of Rapid City

Lafawn works for the City of Rapid City as the Human Relations Commission Coordinator. The Commission provides space for any discrimination concerns in the community, as well as learning forums and violence prevention trainings. She is a seventh-generation member of the Oglala Lakota Tribe, born on the Pine Ridge Reservation and a longtime resident of Rapid City. Lafawn is a Black Hills State University alumni and worked as a consultant for 13 years. Lafawn has two sons, Grey and Dominic, as well as a princess pup named Lady Zsa Zsa, and a Central States Fair prize fish that won’t die, named White Snake. When Lafawn is not working, you will find her traveling, skiing, mountain biking, hiking or eating.

Reva

Occupation: Retired from Harding County Schools, Rancher, Instruction Manager with Apex

A retired educator, Laura belongs to the National Association of Music Educators and is a nationally registered EMT. Her hometown is Sturgis. She attended college in the Black Hills where she received a BA in Education and later earned an MA in Administration at Grand Canyon University. Laura and her husband, Bill, have four children: Robin, Keri, Katie and Brad, and 12 grandchildren. Her hobbies include reading, walking and sports.

Sioux Falls

Occupation: Founder/CEO, Oh My Cupcakes! and Sweet Cream Candle Company, Writer and Speaker at Melissa J Creative

Melissa is an entrepreneur, writer and public speaker who facilitates professional development for individuals and teams of all sizes. She is a member of SME, CQ (a high level women’s professional development group) and the South Dakota Retailers Association. Melissa also serves on the VOA Foundation Board and Avera Philanthropy Council. Her hometown is Larchwood, IA. Melissa has four children: Randi, Emily, Brandon and Lyric, and one grandson, Elias. She enjoys writing, reading and hiking.

Rapid City

Occupation: Lawyer, Nooney & Solay, LLP

John is a partner in the law firm of Nooney & Solay, LLP. His practice focuses on complex commercial litigation. He was born and raised in Yankton, SD. He graduated from the University of South Dakota in 1984 with a law degree and an MBA. He is married to Kimberly Nooney, SVP and CFO of Black Hills Corporation. They have two children, Jared and Elizabeth. John is an avid skier and spends considerable time in Colorado pursuing his passion.

Sioux Falls

Occupation: Retired Businessman

Prior to his retirement, John was CEO at Tri-State Flooring. He is a CHS Director Emeritus who served as President of both the Foundation and Society Boards and is a member of the Mount Rushmore Society board of directors. John’s hometown is Rapid City. He graduated with a BA in Sociology from the University of South Dakota. He also attended the University of Colorado and University of Oklahoma three-year banking courses. He and his wife, Kay, have one adult daughter, Katy. She is married to Joe Gaspar and has two sons, Drew and Alex. Hobbies include biking, fly fishing, reading and music.

Rapid City

Occupation: Chief Risk Officer, Pete Lien & Sons, Inc.

Greg is Chief Risk Officer at Pete Lien & Sons in Rapid City. He belongs to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and South Dakota CPA Society and serves on the boards of Blessed Sacrament Church, Western South Dakota Catholic Foundation and Youth & Family Services. Greg’s hometown is Watertown. He attended the University of South Dakota and graduated with a BS in Business Administration. Greg and his wife, Melissa, have three adult children: Erin, Jamie and Nathan. Greg’s hobbies include kids’ activities, hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities.

Sioux Falls

Occupation: Chief Information & Technology Officer, Risk Administration Services, Inc.

Chirag is Chief Information and Technology Officer at RAS in Sioux Falls. He graduated from South Dakota State University with an MS in Engineering. Chirag has more than 25 years of experience in IT across various sectors such as finance, insurance, manufacturing, health care, public safety and academia. He mentors young talent in Sioux Falls and worldwide through well-known sites like Udacity and StackOverflow. His connection to CHS began seven years ago when his wife served as a volunteer.

Sioux Falls

Occupation: Retired, Education

As a Board Director Emeritus, Carolynn has served on both the CHS and Children’s Home Foundation boards. She has volunteered at Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety for 21 years and continues to do this weekly, as well as serving as a Big Buddy mentor. Carolynn has also been a CASA Advocate for 17 years and belongs to the Junior League of Sioux Falls. Her hometown is Sioux Falls from the third grade on. She attended Iowa State and South Dakota State University, where she earned a degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education. Carolynn and her husband, Jim, have three married children and seven grandchildren who live in South Dakota and Colorado. Carolynn enjoys bridge, mahjongg, baking, travel, wines, needlepoint, spending time with her grandchildren and relaxing at their home in the Black Hills.

Sioux Falls

Occupation: Executive Vice President, First National Bank in Sioux Falls

Bob is Executive Vice President and Director of Corporate Affairs at The First National Bank in Sioux Falls. He has also served on the boards of Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Dakota, University of Sioux Falls Foundation, Downtown Sioux Falls, Sioux Metro Growth Alliance and the Avera McKennan Foundation. Bob’s hometown is Sioux Falls. He earned his BA from the University of Montana and continued his education through the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Colorado. He has four children: Rob, John, Andy and Emily, and enjoys fishing, hunting, boating and spending time with his family

Rapid City

Occupation: Owner/Wealth Advisor, Purple Wealth, LLC

Eric is CEO and Founder of Purple Wealth, LLC, and has been a professional financial advisor for 30 years at companies such as Goldman Sachs and Merrill Lynch, helping individuals make smart money moves. His hometown is Rapid City and he attended the University of Wyoming. Eric resides in Rapid City with his wife, Terri. They have two daughters: Hannah attends the University of Utah, and Julia attends Augustana University. He loves wake surfing and powder skiing with family and friends, mountain biking in the Black Hills and traveling with Terri.

Hill City

In addition to serving on the Children’s Home Foundation Board of Directors, Diana is a board member of Hobo’s Healing Heart. She has also served on the board for the Visual Arts Center in Sioux Falls and Family Services of Minnesota. Diana is from Stratford, CA, and she attended Fresno City College. She is married to Michael and has a daughter, Corrie. Diana enjoys needlepoint, gardening, volunteering, cooking and crafts.

Sioux Falls

Occupation: CEO, Workplace Marketing Insurance Advisors

Lori is the Owner of Workplace Marketing Insurance Advisors. She is a member of SHRM and PED Group and also serves on the Feisty Fighters Board, Family Service Foundation Board and St. Mark’s Finance Committee. Lori was previously on the boards of Susan G. Komen, Lifescape, the City of Sioux Falls Disability Awareness Committee and the Juvenile Diabetes Association of the Dakotas. Her hometown is Sioux Falls. Lori received her BS in Marketing and Secondary Education from Northern State University. She enjoys volunteering and is at her best when she is helping others.

Sioux Falls

Occupation: Owner Anderson Friesen Creative/Cinema Falls

Julie is the founder of Dakota Video and Post, which she co-owns with her husband, Curt; Cinema Falls, an art house film collective and indie film exhibitor; and Anderson Friesen Creative, a creative services, copywriting and marketing company. She is Past President of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra board and a Director Emeritus of Children’s Home Society. Julie’s hometown is Sioux Falls. Julie graduated from Bethel University in St. Paul, MN, with degrees in English Literature and Art History. Her son attends Sanford School of Medicine and her daughter auditioned into the Johnny Carson School of Theater and Film in Nebraska.

Sioux Falls

Occupation: Owner, A&B Business Solutions

Dennis has been in the business solutions field since 1985 and purchased A&B Business in 1993. The company has grown at a rate of 25% annually, with locations in five states and more than 120 full-time employees. He also owns Cask & Cork Distributing, Cleavers Catering, The Truck Wash and the Rapid City marketing agency Robert Sharp and Associates (soon to be rebranded). Dennis is also a business and selfdevelopment author, releasing his first publication, Bring It On, in 2024. He serves on the boards of Elevate Rapid City and Junior Achievement. Dennis’ hometown is Pipestone, MN. He and his wife reside in Sioux Falls and have four adult children and eight grandchildren.

Sioux Falls

Occupation: Partner, Media One, Inc

Greg is a partner in Media One, a Sioux Falls advertising agency. He has served on the boards of South Dakota Public Broadcasting and Great Bear Recreation Park. Greg’s hometown is Sioux Falls. He received his BA at Augustana University. Greg and his wife, Margaret, have two adult children. His hobbies include outdoor activities, cross country skiing and prairie restoration.

Sioux Falls

Occupation: Senior Advertising Account Executive, Midco

Kim is Senior Advertising Agency Account Executive at Midco. She serves on the boards for United Way, Sioux Falls Cares, Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, Sioux Falls Sports Authority, the University of South Dakota Howling Pack, Startup Sioux Falls and is an active member of Sales & Marketing Executives, Sioux Falls. Kim’s hometown is the small rural farming community of Anthon, IA. She graduated from the University of South Dakota. Kim and her husband, Jim Jr., are proud parents of Jimmy. He is married to Alexis and they have a son, Jones, a daughter, Maddie, and a dog named Bo. Kim enjoys family, lake time, all sports, traveling and anything USD.

Sioux Falls

Occupation: Vice President - Wealth Management, UBS Financial Services Inc.

Marty is a Financial Advisor at UBS Financial Services and partner in Great Plains Wealth Management. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra as well his family’s business, Horizontal Machining and Manufacturing. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce and was an active member of the Sioux Falls Young Professionals Network. Marty earned his BA from Minnesota State University, Mankato. He enjoys spending time at the lake and the Black Hills with his wife and two children.

Sioux Falls

Occupation: Executive Vice President, Sanford Health & President/CEO, Sanford Health Plan

Tommy Ibrahim is President and CEO of Sanford Health Plan. He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a Fellow in Hospital Medicine. A board-certified hospitalist, he received his medical training at St. Christopher’s IMD College of Medicine and Greater Baltimore Medical Center, an affiliate of Johns Hopkins. Tommy also holds an MBA from Columbia University and a Master of Healthcare Administration degree from Seton Hall University. He and his wife, Marian, have two children.

Pierre

Occupation: Partner/Attorney, Gunderson Palmer Law Firmt

Marty is a partner at Gunderson, Palmer, Nelson & Ashmore and South Dakota Attorney General. He is a member of the South Dakota State Bar, South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association, Theta Tau Professional Engineering Fraternity, Society of Attorneys General Emeritus and National Association of Former United States Attorneys. He also serves on the South Dakota Mines Alumni Board (CARA). Marty’s hometown is Sturgis. He earned a BS in EE from South Dakota Mines and a JD from the University of South Dakota School of Law. Marty has two children, Michael and Isabella. He enjoys hunting, fishing and working at the family farm.

Rapid City

Occupation: Retired

Janet owned the Wild West Wax Museum in Wall, SD, and owned and managed residential real estate with her husband. Since she retired, she has become an avid volunteer, notably as a member of Rushmore Rotary Club where she was secretary for 10 years, as well as volunteering with the Hospice House and serving on the board of Storybook Island. Janet was born and raised in Winner, is widowed and has one daughter, Deonne.

Sioux Falls

Occupation: Senior Financial Advisor, The Lindquist Group

Bill is Senior Vice President, Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He is currently on the Investment Committee for Augustana University and has been on the Board of Directors for Augustana University, YMCA, SD Symphony, Helpline (Big Brothers Big Sisters) and the South Dakota State Board of Tourism. Bill also is the past Chairman for Augustana University, YMCA and Helpline. His hometown is Fulda, MN. He graduated from Augustana University and has a BA double major in Economics and Business Administration. Bill and his wife, Lorrae, have three sons and five grandchildren. His hobbies include golf and all sports in general.

Sioux Falls

Occupation: President, First PREMIER Bankcard

Ben is President of PREMIER Bankcard. He serves on the boards of Feeding South Dakota and the Washington Pavilion. His hometown is Boston, MA, and Ben is an alumnus of the University of Oxford and holds multiple degrees. He is an avid reader and former collegiate athlete who enjoys cooking, travel and frequenting museums.

Sioux City

Occupation: Physical Therapist, Sanford Outpatient Rehab

Val is a Physical Therapist with Sanford Outpatient Rehabilitation. She currently serves on the KidStop board, the Next Gen committee at First United Methodist Church and as a Past State President of the SD Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood. Valerie’s hometown is Selby, SD. She graduated with a BS in Biology from USD and a Master of Physical Therapy from the University of Minnesota. She and her husband, David, are the proud parents of Max and Katherine. Val enjoys cycling, yoga, fishing and reading.

Rapid City

Occupation: Captain, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office

Dustin is Investigations Captain at the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office where he has worked for more than 21 years. He received the Partners Protecting Kids Award from Children’s Home Society in 2015. Dustin was born and raised in Deadwood, SD, and attended Western Dakota Technical Institute. He now resides in Rapid City. He enjoys golfing, hunting, fishing, boating, coaching his children’s athletic teams and spending time with his family

Sioux Falls

Occupation: Marketing Director, PIPESTONE

Molly is Marketing Director with PIPESTONE. Her hometown is Nunda, SD. She earned a BA in Spanish from the University of Minnesota and her MBA from the University of South Dakota. Molly and her husband, Colby, have a daughter, Madison. Molly enjoys running, gardening and shopping at Target!

Rapid City

Occupation: Independent Real Estate Professional, Sun Real Estate & Rush Mountain/Rushmore Cave

Bobby is involved in South Dakota real estate as a licensed Certified Commercial Investment Member and Professional Ski Instructor Association (PSIA) member. Bobby enjoys playing music in the Black Hills on the worship team and also with Bobby Joe Holman as “The Bobbys.” He was in other bands including Crash Wagon and Lonely Rangers, opening for bands such as Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Night Ranger, and Blood, Sweat & Tears. He also works as a PSIA ski instructor at Terry Peak on Fridays during the ski season. He is also a past volunteer guitar instructor at CHS. Bobby’s hometown is Rapid City, where he and his wife, Genae, who is an MAI commercial appraiser, still reside. They have two children: Parker is a graduate of Berklee College of Music and Sammi is an Augustana University MBA graduate. Bobby’s hobbies include anything outdoors, but working and playing music fill most of his time.

Sioux Falls

Occupation: Owner and Outside Sales Director at Weisser Distributing

Jill's hometown is Sioux Falls. Jill graduated from Dakota State University and taught physical education for three years before starting the Sioux Empire volleyball program. Jill enjoys tenting, cooking, family gatherings, quilting, crocheting and hosting events. Jill says her perfect day involves starting a brisket/pork shoulder on the smoker at about 11 p.m., smoking it all night, then having 25–35 family members over for playing games, socializing and eating a home-cooked meal.