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Strong Tradition of Vision & Mission

Board of Directors

Elizabeth Duffy, Sioux Falls, Chair
Tolcha Mesele, Sioux Falls, Chair Elect
Paul Bruflat, Sioux Falls, Secretary/Treasurer

Rev. Jeff Backer, Sioux Falls
Rev. Rebecca Breddin, Madison
Pat Eidsness, Sioux Falls
Bishop Constanze Hagmaier, Sioux Falls
Nancy Halverson, Sioux Falls
Curt Hohman, Chester
Anne McFarland, Sioux Falls
Tracy Olson, Frederick
Rev. Becky Piper, Rapid City
Pooja Pullman, Sioux Falls
Brian Weber, Rapid City
Goi Yol, Sioux Falls

Updated: 01.02.2024

 

Foundation Board of Directors

Curt Hohman, Chester, Chair
Kathy McHenry, Clark, Vice Chair

Elizabeth Duffy, Sioux Falls
Allan Johnson, Sioux Falls
Erik Ustad, Sioux Falls

Updated: 01.02.2024

 

Executive Leadership

Rebecca Kiesow-Knudsen, President & CEO

Rebecca Kiesow-Knudsen begins serving as President & CEO in December 2021. "I have been blessed to spend twenty years of my professional career with LSS. Throughout my time here I have been inspired by the richness of the agency’s programs and the myriad ways that LSS helps to strengthen South Dakota communities. I’ve witnessed the team at LSS follow in Christ’s footsteps and respond to community needs with creativity, compassion and a deep respect for those we serve. I feel honored and humbled to carry on the tradition of strong executive leadership and help shape the agency’s vision in its next century of service."

Kiesow-Knudsen has been serving as the Chief Operating Officer in the last year and as Vice-President of Community Services for ten years before COO. Although Kiesow-Knudsen has held multiple leadership roles at LSS, she began her career at LSS as the first director of Mentoring Services.

Originally from Sioux Falls, Kiesow-Knudsen holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Gustavus Adolphus College, and a master’s in public administration with an emphasis in nonprofit administration from the University of South Dakota. Kiesow-Knudsen’s professional vision, work ethic and commitment have led to providing health, safety and acceptance of all people and communities across South Dakota.

 

Amy Witt, Chief Program Officer

As Chief Program Officer, Amy Witt oversees LSS’ externally facing relationships, strategy and implementation of our strategic vision, grants/contracts, advocacy and program development, implementation and sustainability.

Amy earned her bachelor’s degree in social work and psychology from Augustana University in Sioux Falls, and her master’s in social work from the University of North Dakota. She has 23 years of experience working with at-risk youth and families. During her undergraduate studies, Amy completed an internship with LSS Foster Care Services. It was through this experience that she realized she wanted to be a part of LSS. Amy began her career with LSS in 2002. Throughout her time at LSS, Amy has held various positions in both direct service provision and leadership.

“I am passionate about serving youth and families. I strongly believe in the mission and the work LSS does across South Dakota,” she says. Amy is originally from southwestern Minnesota and currently lives in Sioux Falls.

 

Nathan Beyer, Vice President, Finance & Support Services

Nathan Beyer is responsible for finance, information technology and property management services for Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota. He came to LSS in October 2012 as Director of Accounting, transitioning to Vice President of Finance and Support Services in 2015. Prior to joining LSS, Nathan worked in public accounting in Worthington, Minn. Nathan grew up in Flandreau. He graduated from South Dakota State University with a degree in Business Economics.

 

Paige Short, Vice President, Philanthropy Services and Marketing/Communications

As the Vice President of Philanthropy and Marketing/Communications at LSS, Paige oversees the fundraising and marketing departments, builds strategies to create public awareness, raises funding to support vital LSS services, and cultivates community partnerships that help make the work of LSS possible. Paige came to LSS in November 2020 as the Director of Development and transitioned to Vice President of Philanthropy Services in May 2021. Prior to joining the LSS executive team, Paige spent the last decade working for higher education institutions across the U.S. in fundraising management and consulting and most recently worked as Director of Development for the University of South Dakota Foundation.

Although she has dedicated the majority of her professional career to higher education fundraising, she has found a passion for social and human services. “I knew LSS was the right place for me after hearing story after story of how we truly change the trajectory of a person's life, how we reset their perspective and outlook on the future, how our services help people heal from trauma and all the times we hear ‘LSS saved me and my family.’”