Feb. 10, 2026

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Reagan Kolberg, the director of philanthropy at the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation.

Name: Reagan Kolberg

Age: 25

Hometown: Yankton

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

Growing up in rural eastern South Dakota, my family and I made several trips each year to Sioux Falls for shopping, appointments and sporting events. I always loved coming here and knew early on that I wouldn’t stay in my hometown. I expected to start my career in a Midwestern city, and the more I traveled and experienced new places, the more I realized how special Sioux Falls truly is. By the time I was ready to graduate from college and begin my career, it was a no-brainer — this is where I wanted to be.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

The people and the city’s growth. It’s incredibly meaningful to be part of a community where people care so deeply about its success and are genuinely invested in making Sioux Falls the best possible place to live. I also love being part of a city that continues to grow and evolve year after year. I feel a strong sense of pride in supporting our people and that growth in any way I can. I’m very aware that Sioux Falls didn’t become the thriving community it is by accident, and I hope that in 20 years, as the city continues to grow and quality of life increases, I can look back and say I showed up and did my part.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

My favorite part of my job is being able to help connect people’s passions and charitable goals with meaningful work. Sioux Falls has an incredible nonprofit community, along with so many individuals who genuinely care about supporting others and making sure people in our community are taken care of. I feel grateful to play a small role in bringing those two together. This city is full of generosity, and it’s a privilege to support and witness that generosity in any way I can.

How did you get connected to your industry?

I graduated from USD with a business degree and was involved in several service and fundraising organizations during my time on campus. While in school, I completed a finance internship at the university’s foundation, and through that experience I realized how fulfilling this kind of work could be. It showed me that a career in philanthropy was not only possible but meaningful, and those experiences helped connect the dots for me. I’ve been working in nonprofit development ever since.

Describe your workplace in three words.

Supportive, rewarding and community-centered.

What is something someone might be surprised to learn about you?

My mom is an OB-GYN, and I originally thought I would follow in her footsteps and majored in pre-med, but I was quickly weeded out thanks to an 8 a.m. chemistry class!

What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?

My favorite way to give back to the community is by supporting our local nonprofits and businesses — whether that’s through donating, shopping locally, volunteering, mentoring or engaging with the Chamber of Commerce.

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

Sioux Falls needs a valet service company. After planning many events, I can say it’s a million-dollar idea. Thank me later!