Leadership South Dakota has announced its inaugural board of directors, as the statewide leadership program enters its fourth year.

Each year, 40 professionals are selected for the eight-month leadership development experience, which takes them to locations statewide with the goal of expanding their knowledge of the state and providing “access to extraordinary people who have contributed to the fabric of the state.”

The board of directors includes:

• President: Mike Begeman, Sanford Health.
• Vice president: Paula Jensen, Dakota Resources and Leadership South Dakota graduate.
• Secretary, Mutch Usera, Black Hills Energy.
• Treasurer: Ron Millar, Carlon & Millar.
• Member: Dana Dykhouse, First Premier Bank.
• Member: Ericka Heiser, Ketel Thorstenson and Leadership South Dakota graduate.
• Member: Paul Tschetter, Boyce Law Firm and Leadership South Dakota graduate.

“As we begin our fourth year, we are excited about the tremendous quality of our first board of directors. They will provide vision and assure the program continues to positively impact our communities and state,” said Rick Melmer, co-founder of Leadership South Dakota.

Currently, there are 117 alumni of Leadership South Dakota.