The South Dakota Hall of Fame champions a culture of excellence while honoring, inspiring, preserving and educating others about the state’s rich history of entrepreneurs, artists, politicians, educators and community leaders shaping South Dakota’s future. The Hall of Fame recently named 10 individuals to its 2026 class of inductees.
Children’s Home Society (CHS) is proud to announce that CHS President and CEO Michelle Lavallee is among this year’s inductees.
“I’m honored to be selected for the 2026 class of the South Dakota Hall of Fame,” said Lavallee. “I love this state tremendously and have always believed that leadership is about service, integrity and creating opportunities for others to succeed. To be recognized alongside so many remarkable South Dakotans is truly humbling.”
As a fourth-generation South Dakotan raised on her grandparents’ homestead in Huron, Lavallee learned the value of hard work at an early age. Throughout her career, she has stabilized organizations, built high-performing teams and delivered measurable results across diverse sectors.
Before joining CHS, Lavallee held executive leadership positions with Avera, the University of South Dakota and Raven Industries. In 2018, she was the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor and helped lead one of the closest statewide races in decades.
Lifelong journalist and 2020 South Dakota Hall of Fame inductee Jack Marsh nominated Lavallee for the 2026 class because of her commitment to excellence and her ability to create opportunities that extend beyond any role or organization.
“Michelle Lavallee has built a record of achievement and influence that stands among the most distinguished in South Dakota,” said Marsh. “Her trajectory, from a rural upbringing to executive leadership across multiple major industries, reflects exceptional talent, disciplined execution and a consistent ability to strengthen organizations.”
In her seven years at CHS, Lavallee has earned national recognition from the U.S. Children’s Bureau for workforce transformation efforts. South Dakota Department of Social Services Secretary Matt Althoff said Lavallee’s leadership has strengthened CHS’ credibility and reinforced its role as a trusted community resource.
“DSS could not be more grateful to have Children’s Home as the trusted resource it is for South Dakota youth who have suffered abuse and neglect,” said Althoff.
Outside of her professional work, Lavallee has mentored countless individuals across the nation and has dedicated time to improving communities through board service. She currently serves on the boards of the Sioux Falls Development Foundation and RAS.
Previously, Lavallee served as president of the South Dakota Symphony, Downtown Sioux Falls Rotary and the South Dakota Hall of Fame. She also sat on the boards of the Ronald McDonald House, Washington Pavilion and the University of South Dakota Foundation. In addition, she is on the advisory council for the Beacom School of Business at the University of South Dakota.
Paul Schiller, co-founder of Lawrence & Schiller Advertising and Marketing, Five Star Call Centers and Acts of Nature, worked with Lavallee on several boards.
“When we think of a Hall of Famer, we think of someone who steps forward, embraces challenges and makes a lasting difference in the places we live, work and serve,” said Schiller. “Michelle embodies that ideal. She is a leader of uncommon ability, integrity and impact. South Dakota is better because of her.”
Augustana University President Stephanie Herseth Sandlin echoed Schiller’s praise.
“When I think of Michelle’s statewide impact over the course of her career, she has molded what it means to love South Dakota, its people and organizations and to give back through hard work and a heart of service,” said Herseth Sandlin. “She has led with courage, enthusiasm and integrity, adding great value every step of the way.”
In addition to Marsh’s nomination and dozens of letters of support, Lavallee also sat down with Marsh for an interview. Click here to watch the full video.
The class of 2026 will be celebrated at this year’s Honors Ceremony on September 11 and 12, in Chamberlain. The public is welcome to attend, and tickets go on sale in July.