Contact: Janelle Booth, CEO 605-301-0703 Twelfth Leadership Class Selected for SDARL Program The twelfth class has been selected for the South Dakota Agricultural & Rural Leadership (SDARL) program. Thirty individuals from across the state will participate in the program that develops the skills, knowledge and character of leaders for rural communities and the state’s most essential industry.
Included in this Class XII are 15 members who work full-time or part-time on a ranch or farm. Other members represent agricultural research, law, journalism, finance, agri-business, education, government, and engineering.
Class XII members include: Hailey Bies, Fairburn; Tami Biskeborn, Mitchell; Kevin Blagg, Salem; Justin Boerboom, Whitewood; Kaleb Bowman, Aberdeen; Phil De Groot, Sioux Falls; Tina Erickson, Sioux Falls; Melisa Goss, Hartford; Luke Henrich, Milbank; Dani Herring, Rapid City; Willie Hinker, Canton; Mariah Kessler, Sioux Falls; Elliot Kinnander, Watertown; Frank Kralicek Jr, Yankton; Lane LeBrun, Del Rapids; Kiera Leddy, Aberdeen; Sienna Mayer, Sioux Falls; Kim McGraw, Clark; Rhett Miller, Sioux Falls; Johnathon Noonan, Howard; Nicolas Passone, Brookings; Jenna Ripp, Chamberlain; Eric Roskens, Emery; Russell Samson, Aberdeen; Tyler Samuelson, Platte; Jeff Spieler, Lennox; Carson Stange, Stratford; Taylor Sumption, Frederick; Brian Walsh, Pierre; and Andrew Wiebenga, Yankton. You can read more about the members of Class XII here.
“We are excited about this class of leaders,” noted SDARL CEO Janelle Booth. “These are individuals from across the state who are dedicated to making their communities, industries, and the state of South Dakota stronger through service leadership.” The class members will begin their 18-month leadership development program in November 2023. There are 12 seminars in the SDARL leadership series, including a national seminar in Washington, D.C., and one international study seminar. –
“The graduation of Class XII in March 2025 will bring the total SDARL graduate count to over 350 individuals.” said Booth. “That is a significant number of influential learners and leaders working in South Dakota for a better tomorrow.” Admission to the program is competitive and requires a formal application and interview. Applications for the next SDARL class will begin in January 2025. About SDARL The South Dakota Agricultural & Rural Leadership Foundation identifies and develops leadership for agriculture and rural communities to enhance the quality of life for all South Dakotans.
The Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization funded by investing companies and associations, tuition from program participants and gifts from alumni and other donors who share a passion for developing engaged leadership for a vibrant South Dakota. In addition to the flagship 18-month leadership program, SDARL provides leadership education to FFA advisors and students, commodity boards, government entities, and community organizations. For more information, contact Janelle Booth, CEO,
