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 lb 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