Billie Sutton Leadership Institute Announces 2020 Class

2020 SLI Class Photos (1).jpg

BURKE, SD – Following a digital leadership training event held this past weekend, the Billie Sutton Leadership Institute announces a new class of Sutton Leaders.

In its second year, 65 people applied for the Billie Sutton Leadership Institute and 31 nominations were submitted. Twelve Sutton Leaders were selected and kicked off the year-long public service and community engagement focused leadership training program with a two-day digital event this past weekend.

Regarding the program's second class of leaders, founder Billie Sutton said, 

"South Dakota is home to so many great people dedicated to making our communities and state stronger. It's an honor and privilege to work with another talented group of emerging leaders focused on giving back and serving others in their communities." 

Members of the Billie Sutton Leadership Institute Class of 2020 include: 

Frances Thompson, Sioux Falls

Kansas Middletent, Lower Brule

Kelsey Sakos, Rapid City

Laura Smith-Hill, Sioux Falls

Lindsey Janklow, Sioux Falls

Lindsey Kimber, Britton

Manaal Ali, Sioux Falls

Dr. Michael Pietila, Yankton

Wade Gemar, Sioux Falls

Wendy Mamer, Worthing

Whitnee Pearce, Rapid City

Zach DeBoer, Sioux Falls

The non-partisan 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. Billie Sutton is a former state senator, 2018 candidate for governor of South Dakota, and founder of the Billie Sutton Leadership Institute.