May 29, 2025

Forty participants have been named to the 2026 class of Leadership South Dakota.

The 12th group to go through the program will begin in September in Pierre.

Each month, participants visit a different region of South Dakota, spending 48 hours immersed in local industries, challenges and leadership stories. This hands-on format fosters a deeper understanding of the state’s diverse regions and builds strong relationships among participants.

“This class brings together a dynamic group of leaders from across South Dakota,” executive director John Meyer said. “We’re continually inspired by their passion and potential. They reflect the strength and diversity of our state, and we can’t wait to watch them grow and connect over the coming year.”

The members of the 2026 class are:

• Abby Kuper of Sioux Falls – Sanford Health
• Albert Pavlinac of Sioux Falls – Pinnacle Productions
• Alexcia Kalal of Box Elder – Rapid City Police Department
• Amy Miller of Webster – South Dakota Department of Education
• Andrew Sogn of Brookings – Dakota State University
• Arin Gonseth of Brandon – MarketBeat Media LLC
• Ashton Dockendorf of Freeman – Lemonly
• Breanne Lynch of Sioux Falls – Harrisburg School District
• Briana Vande Pol of Rapid City – Governor’s Office of Economic Development
• Brittany Wagner of Yankton – Yankton Thrive
• Cale Feller of Sioux Falls – Avera Health
• Callie Meyer of Rapid City – Visit Rapid City
• Carly Heard of Vermillion – University of South Dakota
• Cassi Severson of Sioux Falls – Lawrence & Schiller
• Courtney Jacobson of Sioux Falls – Sammons Financial Group
• Greg Jasmer of Harrisburg – Marsh McLennan Agency
• Jared Bender of Custer – Black Hills Energy
• Jennifer Jung of Tea – The Bancorp
• Joel Hermann of Rapid City – First Interstate Bank
• Jordan Bonstrom of Vermillion – University of South Dakota
• Joshua Brown of Sioux Falls – Boyce Law Firm LLP
• Kelly Marshall of Sioux Falls – RAS
• Kelly Nyberg of Sioux Falls – Nyberg’s Ace
• Kelsie Ficken of Rapid City – Monument Health Foundation
• Kyle Laughlin of Rapid City – Black Hills Special Service Cooperative
• Lee Kaffar of Dell Rapids – HDR Engineering
• Levi Rustand of Brandon – POET
• Megan Greenfield of Sioux Falls – SDN Communications
• Melody Westra of Sioux Falls – First Premier Bank
• Mike Baumgarn of Bath – NorthWestern Energy
• Mohamed Elfaruk of Milbank – Valley Queen Cheese Factory
• Olivia Essig of Sioux Falls – Sanford Health
• Ryan Hoffman of Parker – Lloyd Construction
• Sadie Haugen of Flandreau – Premier Bankcard
• Samantha VanEck of Sioux Falls – South Dakota Trust Co.
• Sarah Meagher of Sioux Falls – EmBe
• Stacie Suedkamp of Flandreau – Fig Tales
• Tanner Hento of Avon – Hento Bros.
• Tim Hanigan of Aberdeen – Aberdeen Development Corp.
• Zakaria Okuwe of Sioux Falls – Sanford Health and STEM the Gap

Leadership South Dakota is designed to equip class members to make a greater impact in their organizations and communities.