BURKE, SD – The Billie Sutton Leadership Institute's fifth year is underway, and the 2023 Sutton Leaders and Rural POWER class has been announced.
Sixteen members of the new class met for a training seminar this past weekend in Oacoma to kick off the year-long leadership development program.
After launching the fifth year of the program, Billie Sutton, a former state senator, 2018 candidate for governor of South Dakota, and founder of the Sutton Leadership Institute said,
"Year after year I'm impressed by the talent and passion of the leaders who come to this program with a focus on making our state a better place. South Dakota and all of its towns and cities are stronger because of their contributions to their community. We're proud to be investing in these leaders' potential and supporting their efforts across the state."
Members of the 2023 class of the Billie Sutton Leadership Institute include:
Adam J., Sioux Falls, Sutton Leaders
Angie C., Aberdeen, Sutton Leaders
Bobbi Jo H., Sioux Falls, Rural POWER
Brendyn R., Vermillion, Rural POWER
Carmen G.P., Tabor, Rural POWER
Courtney S., Wagner, Rural POWER
Elaine Y.H., Rapid City, Sutton Leaders
Jake D., Sioux Falls, Sutton Leaders
Jessica M., Brookings, Rural POWER
Karin E., Rapid City, Sutton Leaders
Kendra G., Sioux Falls, Sutton Leaders
Lesley A., Gregory, Rural POWER
Lindsey P., Sioux Falls, Sutton Leaders
Sara B., Sioux Falls, Sutton Leaders
Sentel S., Belle Fourche, Rural POWER
Serene T.E., Sioux Falls, 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 is the Institute's original program, now in its fifth year, focused on leadership development, community engagement, and public service across South Dakota.
Rural POWER, now in its third year, seeks to grow a new generation of rural leaders and encourage involvement in local rural cooperatives providing essential services to South Dakota communities.