Billie Sutton Leadership Institute Announces 2025 Class

The Billie Sutton Leadership Institute has launched its seventh year, announcing the 2025 class of Sutton Leaders and Rural POWER participants.

Seventeen new members gathered this past weekend in Oacoma for a kickoff training seminar, marking the start of the year-long leadership development program.

[Photo:] 2025 Sutton Leadership Institute Class with Billie and Kelsea Sutton

Billie Sutton, a former state senator, 2018 candidate for governor of South Dakota, and founder of the Sutton Leadership Institute said,

"Now in our seventh year, we’ve had the privilege of empowering over 100 of South Dakota’s next-generation leaders. Year after year, we see participants leave this experience with new leadership skills, stronger networks, and a deeper commitment to their communities. Whether they’re serving their neighbors, leading nonprofits, or building businesses, they’re stepping up to shape a better future for South Dakota — and we’re honored to be a part of that journey."

Members of the 2025 Billie Sutton Leadership Institute class include:

Abby B., Sioux Falls, Sutton Leaders

Brooke J., Vermillion, Sutton Leaders

Callie M., Rapid City, Sutton Leaders

Emelia E., Revillo, Rural POWER

Gary H., Gary, Rural POWER

Gloria H., Aberdeen, Sutton Leaders

Henry S., Sioux Falls, Sutton Leaders

Jaylynn F., Eagle Butte, Rural POWER

Jennifer U., Pierre, Sutton Leaders

Jessica C., Tea, Rural POWER

Jessica L., Mission, Rural POWER

Kimberly M., Sioux Falls, Sutton Leaders

Kristine R., Sioux Falls, Rural POWER

Marty T., Rapid City, Sutton Leaders

Mary B., Rapid City, Sutton Leaders

Michael C., Rapid City, Sutton Leaders

Tara S., Mission, Rural POWER

The non-partisan, 501(c)(3) nonprofit Billie Sutton Leadership Institute is dedicated to inspiring and preparing the next generation of leaders to build a stronger South Dakota and more vibrant communities and workplaces through service to others.

Sutton Leaders, the Institute’s original program, is now in its seventh year and focuses on leadership development, community engagement, and public service across South Dakota.

Rural POWER, now in its fifth year, is designed to grow a new generation of rural leaders and encourage engagement in rural cooperatives that provide essential services to South Dakota communities.