ABOUT
CHILDREN’S HOME SOCIETY

Sioux Falls, SD

Prior to assuming the CEO role at CHS, Michelle held executive level positions with Avera, University of South Dakota and Raven Industries. She serves on the boards of RAS and Sioux Falls Development Foundation. Michelle is past president of the South Dakota Symphony, Downtown Sioux Falls Rotary and the South Dakota Hall of Fame. She is past board member of Ronald McDonald House, Washington Pavilion and the University of South Dakota Foundation. In addition, she serves on the Advisory Council of the Beacom School of Business at the University of South Dakota.

Michelle’s hometown is Huron, and she continues to maintain a farm there as well as a home in Sioux Falls. She earned her BS and MBA from Northwestern University in Chicago. Michelle enjoys traveling, reading, cooking, exercising and family. She and her husband, Paul, have one child, Kris, and two grandchildren, Rebecca and Deacon.

Sioux Falls, SD

Prior to joining CHS, Jennifer worked for the Las Vegas Valley Water District for almost 20 years as an Executive Assistant. She has a BS in Business Management, MBA, and a Master’s in Higher Education Administration.

Jennifer grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada, and currently lives in Sioux Falls with her family. She and her husband, James, have two children; their adult son, James, lives in Sioux Falls, and son, Johnathon, is in high school. Jennifer has a second degree black belt in Taekwondo, and her family are instructors at the Boys & Girls Club. She enjoys spending time with family, gardening, hiking, camping, canoeing, antiquing and reading.

Sioux Falls, SD

Before 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, Iowa, and Sioux Falls. Shannon grew up in Huron. She earned an MPA from the University of South Dakota. Shannon and her husband, Nathan, have two sons: “little” Nathan and Aidan, and one grandchild, Oliver. She enjoys spending time with family, traveling and reading.

Sioux Falls, SD

Jon has served as Chief Philanthropy Officer for Children’s Home Foundation since 2022. Prior to joining the CHS team and Foundation, Jon served in fundraising and leadership positions at Augustana University and the University of South Dakota Foundation. He holds the Certified Fundraising Executive Credential and has a Certificate in Fundraising Management from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Jon is

Sioux Falls, SD

Sarah is the Executive Assistant to the Chief Philanthropy Officer at Children’s Home Society Foundation. Before joining the CHS Foundation, she served as Director of Operations at Touchmark at All Saints. She holds a B.S. in Business Administration and a Master of Education. Sarah and her husband, Scott, a Project Manager with Geronimo Power, make their home in Sioux Falls. Their son, Taylor, works as an Inventory Manager for MSC, and his wife, Destini, is a Branch Manager at a local bank; they live in Sioux Falls with their four-year-old son, Paxton. Their daughter, Ireland, is pursuing her passion as an actress and theater manager in New York City. In her free time, Sarah enjoys golfing, traveling, reading and spending time with family.

Sioux Falls, SD

Prior to transitioning from Chief Human Resources Officer to Chief Administrative Officer at CHS, Mark held HR and operational leadership positions with Eli Lilly, Novartis, Marsh & McClennan, Graco Manufacturing and Interstates Electric & Engineering. Mark is a member of Sioux Falls Rotary, Sioux Empire Society of Human Resource Management, the National Society for Human Resource Management, graduate of Leadership Sioux Falls and past board member of Pathways to Inclusive and Equitable Workplaces. His hometown is Alvord, Iowa, and he currently lives in Sioux Falls. Mark received a BA from Dordt University and an MBA from the University of Sioux Falls. He enjoys hunting, fishing, outdoor activities and traveling with his family. Mark and his wife, Shannon, have two children who recently graduated from Augustana University. Daughter Madison works as a registered nurse and son Isaac works in mortgage banking, both in Sioux Falls.

Sioux Falls, SD

Before becoming Chief Operating Officer at CHS, Allison was Chief Human Resources Officer. Prior to joining CHS, she was Human Resources Director at Southeastern Behavioral Health, where she received the SHRM-SCP designation. Allison is a current member of the Sioux Empire Society of Human Resources Management, the National Society for Human Resources Management and a classroom volunteer for Junior Achievement.

She was born and raised in Sioux Falls. Allison graduated from Augustana College with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education/Sped. Allison and her husband Aaron have two daughters, Tegan and Brinly. In her spare time Allison and her family love spending time at the lake, fishing and paddleboarding. You can also find Allison on the soccer field playing for the co-ed adult soccer league.

Rapid City, SD

Born and raised in eastern South Dakota, Dr. Wilson graduated from Dakota Wesleyan University with a degree in Psychology. He earned a degree in Biomedical Science and a master’s degree in Behavioral Medicine at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota, where he met his wife, Petra. Dr. Wilson graduated from Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical School. He completed the University of South Dakota Psychiatry residency and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship programs and another fellowship in Forensic Psychiatry. He practiced in Yankton, South Dakota, for three years and in Hot Springs, South Dakota, for nine years. He established an outpatient Psychiatry program, covered multiple geriatric facilities and worked

Rapid City

Amy is Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary for Dakota Gold Corp. She is a member of the South Dakota State Bar, the Wyoming State Bar, the Association of Corporate Counsel and the Society of Governance Professionals.

She is a certified governance professional and on the board of the Black Hills Community Theater and a member of the National Association of University Women.

Her hometown is Yankton, South Dakota. 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.

Rapid City, SD

Matt is the Owner/Manager of Buffalo Wild Wings in Rapid City, South Dakota. 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.

Sioux Falls, SD

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, civil liberties and diversity.

Mesquite, TX

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. She and her husband, Ken, live in Mesquite, Texas. They have five adult children. Sally is a graduate of the University of North Texas with a BA in Journalism.

Sioux Falls, SD

Teresa grew up in Spencer, Iowa, but she and her husband Jeremy have lived in Sioux Falls for more than 20 years. Together they have three children: Gannon, Greyson and Kennedy. Teresa earned her accounting degree from the University of Northern Iowa in 1998 and subsequently her law degree from the University of Iowa in 2002. She recently retired from the practice of law after 19 years as a business litigator with Armstrong Teasdale in Kansas City, Missouri. Teresa now focuses her time on family and community, serving on the executive team for the Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation Board, the International Finance Committee for P.E.O. International and as a mentor with the local Lutheran Social Services program.

Sioux Falls, SD

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

Kyle, SD

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, SD

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.

Rapid City, SD

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.

Rapid City, SD

Justine is the Director of Quality & Patient Safety at VA Black Hills Healthcare System. Her hometown is Elkhart, Indiana. She currently lives in Rapid City with her husband, daughter, who is a senior in high school, and two mini doodles. Justine earned her doctorate in Nurse Leadership from the University of Mary. She enjoys golfing, crocheting and, of course, attending any activity in which her daughter is involved.

Sioux Falls, SD

Melissa Johnson is an entrepreneur, writer, speaker, and professional development facilitator. The founder and owner of Oh My Cupcakes!, Sweet Cream Candle Company and Melissa J Creative, her mission is to create beautiful things and spaces that bring people joy. She serves on the board for Children’s Home Society, the South Dakota Retailers Association, and the Avera Regional Council. With a background in media and communications, her favorite role is “professional encourager.” Melissa has four children: Randi, Emily, Brandon and Lyric, and three grandsons, Elias, Everett, and Jonah. She enjoys writing, reading books and hiking tall mountains.

Sioux Falls, SD

Bart is the Director of the Harriet Emily Scott Social Work Program at Augustana University. He has been in Social Work higher education for over 20 years. His specialization areas are in treatment of children and adolescents, homelessness, and various qualitative research methodologies. Prior to working in higher education, he spent several years working with at-risk youth–including in-home therapy with children in foster care, a teen female runaway shelter, a youth emancipation program, numerous therapeutic group homes, several adolescent treatment facilities, and providing counseling for children and families. While in higher education he has remained engaged in the social services community through a variety of activities including serving on nonprofit boards, consulting with agencies, grant writing, and program evaluation. He and his wife, Jennifer, live in Sioux Falls. Together they have a son, a daughter, a son-in-law and two grandkids who all live abroad.

Rapid City, SD

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,SD

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, SD

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 hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities.

Sioux Falls, SD

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, healthcare, 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, SD

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. Her career has taken her from the bedside to the boardroom, serving 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

Sioux Falls, SD

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 22 years and continues to do this weekly, as well as serving as a Big Buddy mentor. Carolynn has also been a CASA Advocate for 18 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.

Rapid City, SD

Kehala Two Bulls is the Executive Director for Seventh Circuit Court CASA in Rapid City, South Dakota. She has a deep commitment to serving vulnerable children and families in her community. Kehala holds a BA in Liberal Arts from The Evergreen State College and an MA in Counseling from Southwestern College. She

Rapid City, SD

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.

Sioux Falls, SD

Marty is a Financial Advisor at UBS Financial Services and partner in Great Plains Wealth Management. He has served on the board of directors for the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, South Dakota Symphony Orchestra, and a family manufacturing business. Marty enjoys spending his free time at the lake or the Black Hills with his wife, Amy, their two children, Harvey and Presley.

Sioux Falls, SD

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, SD

Janet owned the Wild West Wax Museum in Wall, South Dakota, 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.

Hill City, SD

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, California, 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, SD

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 self-development 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, Minnesota. He and his wife reside in Sioux Falls and have four adult children and eight grandchildren.

Sioux Falls, SD

Kim is Senior Advertising Agency Account Executive at Midco. She serves on the boards of 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, Iowa. 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.

Hill City, SD

Justin is VP of Operations, at Recreational Adventures Company (RAC) in Hill City. RAC is KOA’s largest franchisee with 15 parks located in 13 states. Currently, Justin serves on the Tourism Coalition of SD (TCSD) board. He graduated with a BA from Colorado State University. Justin has three kids, Maddie, 20; W Miles, 18 and Max, 16. Justin likes hunting, camping, coaching soccer and chasing his kids around.

Sioux Falls, SD

Joel is a Sioux Falls native and proud Lincoln High School alumnus. He graduated from the University of North Dakota School of Law at the top of his class in 2012 and then clerked for the North Dakota Supreme Court. Joel joined the law firm in August 2013 and has worked as a litigator since that time. Joel’s practice is focused on business and commercial litigation, and Joel is part of the firm’s intellectual property practice group. Joel has appeared before the South Dakota Supreme Court and the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. He is a member of the American Intellectual Property Law Association, the South Dakota Defense Lawyers Association, and the Defense Research Institute. He is a graduate of the South Dakota Trial Academy. Outside the office, Joel enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, reading and traveling.

Sioux Falls, SD

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.

Pierre, SD

Marty is the South Dakota Attorney General and was previously United States Attorney for the district of South Dakota and a partner at Gunderson, Palmer, Nelson & Ashmore. 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 has also served as the Chairman for the National Attorneys General and is currently Vice-Chairman. Marty’s hometown is Sturgis.

Sioux Falls, SD

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 served on the boards 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 board chair for Augustana University, YMCA and Helpline. His hometown is Fulda, Minnesota. 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, SD

Ben is President of PREMIER Bankcard. He serves on the boards of Feeding South Dakota and the Washington Pavilion. His hometown is Boston, Massachusetts, 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, traveling and frequenting museums.

Rapid City, SD

Jeffrey Meyer is a Wealth Advisor with SeaCrest Wealth Management in Rapid City. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charterholder and Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). He holds a B.S. from the University of South Dakota and an M.S. from San Diego State University. Jeffrey serves as Treasurer for the Cheyenne River Youth Project and is active in the Rushmore Rotary Club, where he chairs the annual golf tournament supporting Children’s Home Society and Children’s Home Child Advocacy Center. He lives in Rapid City and has two adult children, Baxter and Sophia, and enjoys mountain biking, water skiing and wake surfing.

Sioux Falls, SD

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, South Dakota. 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, SD

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, South Dakota, 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, SD

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, SD

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, and is 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.

Rapid City, SD

Paul works as a business appraiser, and tax and business consultant in his hometown of Rapid City. He is a long-time partner in the CPA firm Ketel Thorstenson, LLP a business founded by his father. He has one son Quinn who is attending the University of Minnesota, where Paul earned his Bachelor of Science degree. His passion is stock picking, venture investing and changing people’s lives for the better. Paul enjoys bad puns, red wine and sharing his hobby ranch/horses with family and friends.

Sioux Falls, SD

Jill is at Weisser Distributing, her family’s business, where she is an Owner and Outside Sales Director. Her 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.