May 31, 2019

The newly created Billie Sutton Leadership Institute has announced its first group of fellows.

Almost 100 South Dakotans applied for the public service and community engaged focused leadership training program developed by the former state senator and gubernatorial candidate.

Those selected are:

• Alexandra Romero-Frederick, Winner, rancher.
• Guthrie Ducheneaux, Eagle Butte, Mission Breaks Industries Research Inc.
• Heather Krause, Sioux Falls, Sanford Health.
• Holly Perli, Rapid City, Regional Health.
• Jennifer Dreiske, Sioux Falls, South Dakota State Penitentiary.
• Jim Maffrand, Box Elder, Box Elder Ward 3 alderman.
• Kayla Bucknell, Clear Lake, South Dakota State University.
• Lisa Groon, Harrisburg, Avera Cancer Institute, Harrisburg School Board.
• Rachelle Moore, Vermillion, Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
• Stacey Burnette, Sioux Falls, American Cancer Society.
• Stephanie Traversie, Watertown, Human Service Agency, Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Tribal College.
• Thomas Elness, Sioux Falls, Augustana University.
• Zach Van Harris Jr., Sioux Falls, student and nonprofit volunteer.

“After reviewing over 300 pages of applications from South Dakota’s brightest up-and-coming leaders, our board has selected an outstanding inaugural class of Sutton Leadership Fellows that we know will go on to do great things for our state,” Sutton said in a statement.

“They come from all walks of life and areas of the state –  East River, West River and tribal communities. Among them are veterans, health care professionals, nonprofit and public sector leaders, and local elected officials. We can’t wait to meet them at our first event and see what they will accomplish.”

The inaugural class of Sutton Leadership Fellows will participate in a leadership training event today through Sunday with Sutton, statewide private and public sector leaders, and nationally renowned leadership training experts.