CHS Welcomes New VP of Philanthropy
Children's Home Society of South Dakota (CHS) named Val Simpson as the new Vice President of Philanthropy.
A Rapid City native and fifth-generation South Dakotan, Simpson brings more than 30 years of leadership, experience in fundraising, communications, finance and community engagement. Most recently, she served as West River Director of Donor Relations for Friends of South Dakota Public Broadcasting, where she increased charitable giving across western South Dakota.
"Val understands that the core of philanthropy is about building relationships. Throughout her career, she's brought people together around meaningful causes and inspired them to invest in their communities," said Jon Mammenga, Chief Philanthropy Officer. “That combination of leadership and passion makes her the right person to help us expand our philanthropic footprint."
In her new role, Simpson will lead fundraising and donor engagement efforts. She said the opportunity to help children and families across South Dakota inspired her to join CHS.
"I've long admired Children's Home Society and its unwavering commitment to South Dakota's most vulnerable children, adults and families," said Simpson. "This organization’s history, resilience and lasting impact have earned my respect for many years. Joining CHS gives me the opportunity to help expand services that change lives every day, and I'm honored to be part of that work."
A lifelong volunteer dedicated to strengthening her community and state, Simpson has served on numerous local and statewide boards. She currently serves on the South Dakota Historical Society Foundation, South Dakota Cabin Owners Association and the West River Estate Planning Council. In 2025, Gov. Larry Rhoden appointed her to the Capitol Complex Restoration and Beautification Commission. She also co-led Rapid City's 2020 school bond campaign.
Simpson earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of South Dakota and Bachelor's degree in business from Baylor University, where she attended on a full academic scholarship after President Ronald Reagan named her one of South Dakota's two U.S. Presidential Scholars.
Today, Simpson and her husband, Dave, live in Rapid City. They have two adult children and have long been active in education, the arts, music and efforts to preserve the Black Hills as a great place to live, work and raise a family.
