Tuesday, June 4, 2019

BURKE, SD – Following a weekend leadership training event in Oacoma, the Billie Sutton Leadership Institute announced its inaugural class of Sutton Leadership Fellows.

Here is what the new Sutton Leadership Fellows are saying about the program:

"It was a great way to connect with some of South Dakota's brightest people, and I've never had a better learning experience."

"I think it’s South Dakota’s next big thing."

"Amazing, invigorating and wonderfully challenging program based in accountability and results."

Regarding the inaugural class of Leadership Fellows, Billie Sutton said, 

"I am truly blown away by the caliber of participants in our first class. Their drive and desire, courage and compassion, and urgency to give back and serve others is truly inspirational! South Dakota will be stronger because of their incredible leadership." 

Members of the Billie Sutton Leadership Institute Class of 2019 include: 

Kayla Bucknell, Clear Lake

Stacey Burnette, Sioux Falls

Jennifer Dreiske, Sioux Falls

Guthrie Ducheneaux, Eagle Butte

Thomas Elness, Sioux Falls

Lisa Groon, Harrisburg

Heather Krause, Sioux Falls

Jim Maffrand, Box Elder  

Rachelle Moore, Vermillion

Holly Perli, Rapid City

Alexandra Romero-Frederick, Winner

Stephanie Traversie, Watertown

Zach Van Harris Jr., Sioux Falls

Nearly 100 South Dakotans applied to the program. The inaugural class participated in a three-day leadership training event with Billie Sutton, some of the state’s top private and public sector leaders, and nationally-renowned leadership training experts this past weekend.