Children’s Home Society Appoints New Chief Operating Officer

Posted on December 02, 2020

Children’s Home Society of South Dakota (CHS) has appointed Karl Jegeris as its Chief Operating Officer, effective December 3, 2020.

Jegeris joined CHS on June 30, 2020, after a 25-year career with the Rapid City Police Department. As the Director of Collaborative Excellence, Jegeris has been working closely with other members of the management team. This experience will help his transition into his new role.

“I am honored to be a part of the CHS team,” said Jegeris. “Since I began in late June, I have witnessed over and over again the deep compassion to others the collective CHS team has as we serve children, women, and families throughout South Dakota. I’m looking forward to the future with optimism as the CHS legacy continues.”

Jegeris was selected among a very qualified applicant pool and will be focused on determining the best organizational structure for his team, which includes all program leadership.

In addition to his history at CHS and with the Rapid City Police Department, Jegeris has a master’s degree in Public Safety Executive Leadership where his studies focused on advanced leadership skills, budgeting, planning and leading organizational change, human resource management, and research analysis. He has served on many boards and has received accolades throughout his career, including being the 2015 recipient of the Rapid City Chamber of Commerce “Wind Beneath our Wings” Outstanding Performance Award, recognizing unselfish and noble actions. Jegeris was also named “Outstanding Public Servant” by Western Dakota Technical Institute in 2018.

“I am delighted to welcome Karl to our senior team, which includes Mark Niemeyer, Chief People Officer, Joe Herdina, Chief Financial Officer, and Rick Weber, Director of Foundation,” says CHS Chief Executive Officer Michelle Lavallee. “Karl’s track record and dedication over the course of his entire career exemplify the dedication and commitment toward serving others that this position requires.”

Jegeris will primarily office at the CHS campus in the Black Hills while fulfilling duties across the state.