Board of Directors
Elizabeth Duffy – Sioux Falls, Chair
Tolcha Mesele – Sioux Falls, Chair-Elect
Paul Bruflat – Sioux Falls, Secretary/Treasurer
Rev. Jeff Backer – Sioux Falls
Rev. Rebecca Breddin – Madison
Pat Eidsness – Sioux Falls
Bishop Constanze Hagmaier – Sioux Falls
Nancy Halverson – Sioux Falls
Curt Hohman – Chester
Tracy Olson – Frederick
Rev. Becky Piper – Rapid City
Pooja Pullman – Sioux Falls
Anne Rieck McFarland – Sioux Falls
Brian Weber – Rapid City
Goi Yol – Sioux Falls
Foundation Board of Directors
Curt Hohman – Chester, Chair
Kathy McHenry – Clark, Vice Chair
Elizabeth Duffy – Sioux Falls
Allan Johnson – Sioux Falls
Erik Ustad – Sioux Falls
Amy Witt
Chief Program Officer
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As Chief Program Officer, Amy Witt oversees LSS’ externally facing relationships, strategy, and implementation of our strategic vision, grants/contracts, advocacy and program development, implementation, and sustainability.
Amy earned her bachelor’s degree in social work and psychology from Augustana University in Sioux Falls, and her master’s in social work from the University of North Dakota. She has 23 years of experience working with at-risk youth and families. During her undergraduate studies, Amy completed an internship with LSS Foster Care Services. It was through this experience that she realized she wanted to be a part of LSS. Amy began her career with LSS in 2002. Throughout her time at LSS, Amy has held various positions in both direct service provision and leadership.
“I am passionate about serving youth and families. I strongly believe in the mission and the work LSS does across South Dakota,” she says. Amy is originally from southwestern Minnesota and currently lives in Sioux Falls.
Nathan Beyer
Vice President, Finance & Support Services
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Nathan Beyer is responsible for finance, information technology, and property management services for Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota. He came to LSS in October 2012 as Director of Accounting, transitioning to Vice President of Finance and Support Services in 2015. Prior to joining LSS, Nathan worked in public accounting in Worthington, Minn. Nathan grew up in Flandreau. He graduated from South Dakota State University with a degree in Business Economics.
Executive Leadership
Rebecca Kiesow-Knudsen
President & CEO
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Rebecca Kiesow-Knudsen began serving as President & CEO in December 2021. "I have been blessed to spend twenty years of my professional career with LSS. Throughout my time here I have been inspired by the richness of the agency’s programs and the myriad ways that LSS helps to strengthen South Dakota communities. I’ve witnessed the team at LSS follow in Christ’s footsteps and respond to community needs with creativity, compassion, and a deep respect for those we serve. I feel honored and humbled to carry on the tradition of strong executive leadership and help shape the agency’s vision in its next century of service."
Kiesow-Knudsen served as Chief Operating Officer for one year and as Vice-President of Community Services for ten years before taking the President/CEO role. Although Kiesow-Knudsen has held multiple leadership roles at LSS, she began her career at LSS as the first director of Mentoring Services.
Originally from Sioux Falls, Kiesow-Knudsen holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Gustavus Adolphus College, and a master’s in public administration with an emphasis in nonprofit administration from the University of South Dakota. Kiesow-Knudsen’s professional vision, work ethic, and commitment have led to providing health, safety, and acceptance of all people and communities across South Dakota.
