LSS has announced Cheryl Kappenman as the new Vice President of Human Resources. LSS, one of the largest private non-profit human services agencies in South Dakota, employs more than 450 employees in a wide variety of roles serving communities throughout South Dakota.

With a distinguished career spanning more than 25 years in human resources management, Kappenman brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role.

As Vice President of Human Resources, Kappenman will assume responsibility for overseeing all aspects of human resource operations. This includes strategy development for workforce recruitment and retention, policy and procedure development, compliance with state and federal regulations, continued accreditation, benefit negotiation and enrollment, and payroll operations.

“I am pleased to welcome Cheryl as part of our executive leadership,” says Rebecca Kiesow-Knudsen, President/CEO. “I’ve seen a genuine commitment to the mission, vision and values of LSS in her. Our workforce is our most valued resource and Cheryl has the capacity to lead the agency in reaching its strategic goals in this area. I look forward to her contributions in the years ahead.”

“It is the mission of LSS that brought me here—strengthening people's lives,” says Kappenman. “The opportunity to influence the way that individuals and organizations feel about us as an employer resonates with me. I want to do what it takes to make the mission come alive—focusing on positive employee experiences.”

Acknowledging the strong foundation of the human resources department at LSS, Kappenman adds “I want to continue to build on what is already established and make it even better.”

Prior to joining LSS, Kappenman held prominent positions in human resources management at Wells Fargo and POET.

She grew up in Madison, S.D.; and she is a graduate of South Dakota State University, Brookings, with degrees in geography and sociology. Kappenman's passion for human resources grew into a career, driven by her interest in its diversity and challenges.

Kappenman’s professional credentials include certifications as:

• Professional in Human Resources (PHR) from the Human Resources Certification Institute
• Certified Professional in Human Resources (SHRM-CP) from the Society for Human Resources Management
• Certified in 360 Assessment by the Center for Creative Leadership

Active in the professional community, Kappenman is affiliated with several organizations, including:

• SESHRM—Sioux Empire Society for Human Resources Management
• SHRM—Society for Human Resources Management
• HRCI—Human Resources Management Institute
• Member—Center for Creative Leadership

About LSS of South Dakota

LSS responds to changing needs in South Dakota communities. Our mission: Inspired by God's love, we care for, support and strengthen individuals, families, and communities and believe in the vision that all people in South Dakota will be healthy, safe and accepted. LSS is one of the largest private non-profit human service agencies in South Dakota serving people of all ages, faiths, races, and economic statuses with professional, confidential, and affordable services statewide. LSS services are licensed by the State of South Dakota and accredited by the Council on Accreditation. LSS is a United Way agency.