The Billie Sutton Leadership Institute has announced its 2026 class of Sutton Leaders and Rural POWER participants, marking its eighth year of inspiring and preparing leaders in South Dakota.
Fifteen new members gathered this past weekend in Gregory, SD for a kickoff training seminar that launches the year-long leadership development program.
[Photo:] 2026 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,
"We are excited to welcome our 8th group of leaders to the Billie Sutton Leadership Institute! These community leaders from across the state are helping shape the future of South Dakota, and we're honored to support them in that journey."
Members of the 2026 Billie Sutton Leadership Institute class include:
Allan I., Sioux Falls, Sutton Leaders
Amy R., Watertown, Sutton Leaders
Anna W.D., Spearfish, Sutton Leaders
Anpo J., Rapid City, Sutton Leaders
Bre G., Box Elder, Rural POWER
Carleyn P., Eagle Butte, Rural POWER
Danielle K., Madison, Sutton Leaders
Jonni A., Eagle Butte, Rural POWER
Lucas W., Aberdeen, Sutton Leaders
Matty K., Brookings, Rural POWER
Rebecca K.S., Lower Brule, Rural POWER
Rebecca W., Fort Pierre, Rural POWER
Sandi A.F., Sioux Falls, Sutton Leaders
Sarah M., Sioux Falls, Sutton Leaders
Tyresha G.H., Rapid City, Sutton Leaders
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 eighth year and focuses on leadership development, community engagement, and public service across South Dakota.
Rural POWER, now in its sixth 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.