Movers & Shakers features new hires, promotions and awards involving top executives and organizations. For consideration, email [email protected]. Guaranteed placement is provided only to partners of SiouxFalls.Business.

Augustana University

The nursing program at Augustana University has been ranked as the best program in South Dakota for 2023 by RegisteredNursing.org. The advocacy organization assessed registered nursing programs on several factors, including first-time NCLEX Exam pass rates, which are used by state boards of nursing across the country to determine student competency required for licensure. Last year, Augustana graduates who sat for the licensure exam achieved a 97.3 percent pass rate, well above the state average of 86 percent, and national average of 82.5 percent.

Sanford Health

Sanford Health has been recognized by Military Times for being one of the best employers across the country for veterans. The list highlights 175 employers, and Sanford Health landed at No. 4, up from No. 36 last year. This year, Sanford Health ranked No. 1 in the nonprofit category of employers and No. 1 in the health care category. In the past year, Sanford Health has increased the number of veterans in its workforce by 6 percent and the number of active National Guard and Army Reserve members by 16 percent. This is the fourth year in a row Sanford has been honored on the list.

Lisa Moeller

Dakota Business Finance

Dakota Business Finance has promoted Lisa Moeller to loan specialist. She has 11 years of banking and customer service experience.

Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith

Ashley Brost

Ashley Brost of Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith LLP has been named a Rising Star, receiving the South Dakota Defense Lawyers Association Associate Lawyer Award. Brost joined the firm in 2018. She spent several years teaching middle school before attending law school at the University of South Dakota. After completing law school, Brost clerked for the Honorable Roger L. Wollman of the U.S.  Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit. She has been appointed a Criminal Justice Act defense attorney for the U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota and the 8th Circuit.

Electronic Systems Inc.

Electronic Systems Inc. has won the Circuits Assembly Service Excellence Award for Highest Overall Customer Rating for electronics manufacturing services companies in the $20 million to $100 million revenue range for the second consecutive year. The award reflects the highest scores in all categories, including dependability, quality, responsiveness, technology, value for price, flexibility and overall satisfaction.

Hy-Vee

Hy-Vee Inc. has been named to Forbes’ list of America’s Best Employers for Veterans. The annual list was determined through an independent survey by Statista that included 7,000 veterans working for companies employing at least 1,000 people.

Jen McKeown

Levo Credit Union

Levo Credit Union has named Jen McKeown as vice president of marketing and business development. McKeown most recently worked at Avera Health for 12 years. Previous experience includes serving with  the American Heart Association and as a news anchor.

Security National Bank

Madison Olafson

Madison Olafson has been named a wealth management development and trust adviser at Security National Bank. He is a graduate of the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law and a member of the State Bar of South Dakota.