I am a woman of the Plains – growing up in a small town in North Dakota – and living in South Dakota for almost four decades. I truly appreciate the perfect balance between nature and city that makes South Dakota such a wonderful place to live. I believe in working with others to improve our communities, and have spent my whole life showing up, rolling up my sleeves and getting things done.
Roots
Jerry and I have been married for 40 years and we raised our three grown children in District 14: Josh, Sam and Molly. Josh and his wife Kate brought our amazing grandkids, Jake and Maya, into our family. Oh – and can’t forget our 100# slobbery yellow lab – Lambeau.
My life has been grounded in caring for others in being a mom and a nana, my work as a Registered Nurse, my service to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church including a
Nicaragua mission trip, my community volunteerism, and my passion for helping South Dakota thrive. I have worked fulltime for four decades as a Registered Nurse, mostly in formal leadership roles. I am a dreamer and a doer – someone with a vision for what is possible, and the grit to get it done. I believe that we are “better together”, and that is what you can expect from me as your Senator.
Smart Makes decisions based on facts, evidence and limited reach of government
Strong Stands up for values, works hard and is a respected voice representing the
citizens of District 14
Sensible Knows that good policy only comes from listening to the expertise of many
Community Leadership Experience
- Director of Women’s Health at Avera McKennan (currently)
- Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce (board member & treasurer)
- SD Board of Nursing (past president)
- SD Nurses Association Board (past president)
- SDSU Foundation Council of Trustees (currently)
- National Women in Balance Board of Directors
- Minnehaha County Board of Health
Education
- Mayville-Portland High School (1974)University of North Dakota, B.S. Nursing (1978)
- South Dakota State University, M.S. Nursing (1990)
Public Service
- South Dakota State Senator, District 14; 2012 – current member
- Senate Majority Whip, 2015-16
- Access to Mental Health Services Interim Committee, Chair, current
- Senate Health & Human Services Committee, Chair 2017 – current; Vice-Chair
2013 -15 - Senate Education Committee, Chair 2014 – 16
- Blue Ribbon Task Force for Education Funding Reform, Co-Chair 2016
- Jolene’s Law Task Force Chair (Prevent Child Sexual Abuse), 2014 – 16
- Center for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment Advisory Board, Chair 2017 – current
- Legislative Research Council (LRC) Executive Board Member, 2013 – 14
- Domestic Violence Interim Committee, Chair 2013
- National Conference of State Legislatures Health Innovation Task Force, Co-Chair – current
- Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development, 2014
- National Conference of State Legislatures Early Learning Fellow, 2013