She could have never imagined such a thing when she fled war-torn Latvia in 1943, but Grandma Alise’s resilience and positivity helped to shape the person who  is one of CHS’s newest hires.

Karl Jegeris (pronounced jeg'-er-us) began his work June 29 as CHS’s first-ever Director of Collaborative Excellence. He will work alongside all CHS program directors to guide and support them in the setting and execution of each program’s strategic goals.

Karl’s passion for helping people in vulnerable positions goes to his family history. A first-generation born American, Karl was raised in an immigrant family environment.

Karl shares, “My Dad and my Grandma emigrated from Latvia during wartime and were forced out of their homes. My Grandpa was a casualty of the war. So my Grandma and my Dad and aunt went to Germany and lived as displaced persons in a former Nazi camp. They lived there for five years, not knowing where they were going to go or  how they would get there. Eventually, because of the kindness of a sponsor, they were able to immigrate to Minnesota. They relied on the help of others to restore their lives, provide basic security, and begin a new life. So for me, there has been an internal desire to give back, and to help others in vulnerable circumstances.”

Karl and his wife, Jill, have been married for 20 years. She also has a background in criminal justice and has been a victim advocate and US probation officer. They have two sons. Karson is 19 and will be a college freshman. Luke is 17 and will be a junior at Rapid City Stevens. Karl’s 81-year-old father, Maris, is disabled but is able to live in his own home in Lead, SD , with help from Karl and Jill, and from home health services. Rounding out this family are two dogs: Gypsy is a 5-year-old Vizsla who loves to hunt pheasants, and Zeke is a 1-year-old Pug.

Q&As with Karl

What is the first job you ever had?
I worked all through high school and college at a Pannekoeken  restaurant in Brooklyn Park, MN. I was one of those servers that ran out and shouted, “Pannekoeken, Pannekoeken!” as I delivered them to the table.  Also one summer during college I was a park ranger.

What jobs have you had over your professional career?
I have been in law enforcement for 25 years. My career began as a Patrol Officer in 1995. I have served as a School Liaison,  Juvenile Detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Patrol Captain, Assistant Chief, and then as Chief of Police for Rapid City for the past six years.

What are your hobbies & interests?
My passion is downhill skiing. My family has annual passes to Terry Peak, and we take a yearly trip to Big Sky in Montana to ski. I also enjoy hiking and boating. 

What are some places you have traveled to?
My favorite place to go is Big Sky in Montana to go skiing with my family.  I have gone to Mexico for fun, but through our church have also gone to Tijuana on a mission trip to build housing in an impoverished community. Have been to Oktoberfest  in Germany. Have also traveled to the Netherlands, Austria, and Aruba.

Is there a place you’ve never been to that you want to see?
I really want to go to Chile to go skiing.

Favorite TV show:
Probably the news. Don’t really watch much TV.

Favorite sports teams:
My sons play football and baseball. Those would be my favorite teams!
Minnesota Vikings

Favorite Food:
Fresh caught walleye, deep-fried

Favorite Movie:
Iron Will—a Disney movie. Facing many fears, a young man competes in a dog sled race. A great movie with an awesome theme: Never let your fears stand in the way of your dreams.

Your first car:
1984 Chrysler Laser 

Your dream car:
Corvette 

A pet peeve:
Negativity. I have addressed this as a leader. Not healthy in any organization. That is also an infection that can spread!

What was your first exposure to Children’s Home Society?
I was on the first advisory committee when the Child Advocacy Center was started in Rapid City. At the time, I knew Hollie Strand and helped recruit her to come and work for CHS as a forensic interviewer.

Why do you want to work for Children’s Home?
The purpose. The mission. I have a deep desire to help individuals in vulnerable circumstances. It goes back to my family history. My family most likely would not have survived, let alone be where they are today without the help and compassion of others. So for me, there is an internal desire to give back for what has been given to me and my family.

I’m joining a super compassionate organization with individuals who also have a strong sense of purpose. And that sense of purpose is to help others.

I will be one of the newest employees. I have a lot to learn and I look forward to that.