Strong Tradition of Vision & Mission
Board of Directors
Elizabeth Duffy, Sioux Falls, Chair
Paul Bruflat, Sioux Falls, Vice Chair
Tolcha Mesele, Sioux Falls, Secretary/Treasurer
Rev. Rebecca Breddin, Madison
Pat Eidsness, Sioux Falls
Kim Elbers, Sioux Falls
Bishop Constanze Hagmaier, Sioux Falls
Curt Hohman, Chester
Rev. Becky Piper, Rapid City
Pooja Pullman, Sioux Falls
Brian Weber, Rapid City
Goi Yol, Sioux Falls
Updated: 08.15.2023
Foundation Board of Directors
Curt Hohman, Chester, Chair
Kathy McHenry, Clark, Vice Chair
Elizabeth Duffy, Sioux Falls
Ron Hegge, Renner
Allan Johnson, Sioux Falls
Erik Ustad, Sioux Falls
Updated: 03.27.2023
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.
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.
Sheri Ekdom, Vice President, Community Services
As Vice President, Community Services, Sheri Ekdom is responsible for strategy development, financial management, performance and quality improvement, regulatory compliance, and personnel management for community-based services statewide. This includes Behavioral Health Services, the Center for Financial Resources, the Center for New Americans, the Multi-Cultural Center, Childcare & Education Services, Re-entry Services, Mentoring Services and the Older Adult Resource Network.
Sheri holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of South Dakota. She came to Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota in 2012 as the director of the Center for Financial Resources and assumed a role as Senior Director of Community Services in 2016. Sheri is a native of Sioux Falls but also lived in Fargo, ND, for 20 years where she worked at a nonprofit agency overseeing their financial counseling and operations in North Dakota and Minnesota. Sheri has a wealth of experience in nonprofit social services leadership and management as well as a background in corporate training and operations supervision.
Paige Short, Vice President, Philanthropy Services
As Vice President of Philanthropy, Paige Short is responsible for the leadership and oversight of LSS Philanthropy Services. She leads all fundraising activities including major, planned, annual, and capital gift solicitation as well as multi-media fundraising communication to donors.
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 LSS, she worked as the Director of Development at the University of South Dakota Foundation for four years, managing a portfolio of School of Business and School of Health Sciences constituents. Prior to her work at the University of South Dakota Foundation, she worked as a Client Services Manager and Fundraising Manager for a fundraising consulting and management firm. Although she has dedicated the last ten years of her professional career to higher education fundraising, she is thrilled to be a part of the LSS mission committed to social and human services. “I am passionate about our services and feel blessed to play a role in making our state a better place to live, work, and grow”, she says.
Paige grew up in a small town in Iowa. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of South Dakota. She is a Coyote fan through and through! She enjoys spending time with her family, being active, doing anything outdoors and participating in the Coyote community.
Amy Witt, Vice President, Children & Youth Services
As Vice President, Children & Youth Services, Amy Witt’s responsibilities include leadership and oversight of psychiatric residential treatment (Canyon Hills, Summit Oaks), group care (New Beginnings), detention alternatives (Arise Youth Centers), treatment and specialized foster care, kinship services, adoption services, pregnancy counseling, and independent living services (New Alternatives, Community Resource Program).
Amy earned her bachelor’s degree in social work and psychology from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, and her master’s in social work from the University of North Dakota. She has 18 years’ 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 when she realized that 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.
