33 years
Current position: Development Director for Children’s Home Foundation

Tell us about your family.
I met my wife, Mary, at Children’s Home Society. Our family includes Adam and his wife, Mariah (Fort Collins, CO.); Hannah and her husband, Marcus, and sweet six-month old granddaughter Mila (Sioux Falls); and Noah (Minneapolis).

If you could do anything you want on a day off, what would you do? 
I would want to do some activity with my family.

What are your 3 favorite movies?
Remember the Titans
The Shawshank Redemption
One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest

What is your favorite sports team?
As a fan, my greatest sports memories are with the Washington Warriors where all three of my kids were fortunate to be part of state championship teams—Adam and Noah in football, and Hannah in basketball.

What is your favorite treat?
Popcorn and ice cream—it’s kind of a tie.

What are some of the biggest changes you have seen over your years with CHS?
I remember the original Van Demark House sitting out on in the country on what used to be the edge of Sioux Falls. It was maybe half the size it is now and was called Crossroads Center. I worked in the foster care program and was in the Administration offices, which were located above Vista Window and Door Company near 41st and Prairie Avenue. There was no HR Department, no IT Department, no Marketing Department, and there were only two staff in the finance office. There has been tremendous growth in our continuum of services.

Do you have a memory or two that stand out from your time with CHS?
I have many great memories that involve really fun times, but also memories of the agency getting through tough times. I also have great memories of co-workers who have been so dedicated to the mission, and have been such great people. One of my favorite quotes from the kids is when they were brought outside a bit before Christmas and were surprised to see a helicopter land on the softball field. The helicopter landed and out comes Santa Claus. One little girl excitedly yelled, “I just knew he would find me!”

What has been your reason/motivation to stay at CHS?
The importance of the mission and the opportunity to be part of an amazing group of staff, board members, volunteers, and donors.

If you hadn’t chosen this as a career, what would have been your second choice?  
Now I can hardly imagine doing anything else, but I did once seriously consider becoming a photographer.

What advice would you have for newly hired employees?
My non-advice would be: Thanks for joining the CHS team and I hope you find the work rewarding and challenging.

The advice: Look at the challenges with a positive attitude as challenges are some of the best opportunities for personal and professional growth.