Staff

Andy works to connect donors, nonprofits and civic leaders to help advance ideas and strategic community investments. He also works closely with the Foundation’s Board of Directors, setting the direction for the organization and ensuring its connection to the community we serve.

Andy joined the Community Foundation in 2006 and was named president in 2015. Prior to joining the Foundation, he served as director of development for the University of Sioux Falls, where he oversaw the “Greatest Gift” campaign, the largest in school history.

Andy holds a bachelor’s degree and an MBA from USF. He also holds the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) designation, maintaining an in-depth knowledge of the philanthropic process.

An active civic volunteer, Andy serves on a number of boards and committees dedicated to addressing our community’s most pressing needs.

He and his wife, Sara, are parents to Josiah, Isaiah, Caleb and Lydia.

In her role at the Foundation, Mary helps individuals, families, businesses, and professional advisors navigate the philanthropic journey and works with them to develop strategic charitable giving and legacy plans. A member of the Sioux Falls Estate Planning Council, Mary also holds the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) designation, maintaining an in-depth knowledge of the philanthropic process.

Mary joined the Community Foundation in 2017 after serving as executive director for Susan G. Komen Great Plains where she provided leadership for the local affiliate, building community relations and advocating for patient rights.

A graduate of Augustana University, Mary also holds an MBA from the University of South Dakota.

When she's not at work, you can find Mary trying to squeeze her gear into a backpack for her next hiking adventure with her husband, Chris, and their daughters, Hadley and Jovie.

A graduate of the University of South Dakota and a long-time resident of Sioux Falls, Patrick works closely with local nonprofits to identify areas of community need, and with donors, connecting their generosity to causes they are passionate about. Patrick also manages our efforts to help build the thought-leaders and change-makers of tomorrow, overseeing more than 150 scholarships administered by the Foundation.

He also holds the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) designation, maintaining an in-depth knowledge of the philanthropic process.

Patrick joined the Community Foundation in 2005 after serving at Citibank.

He and his wife, Susanne, are parents to two daughters, Alivia and Brooklyn. When he’s not at work, Patrick enjoys spending time with family, volunteering, fitness, reading and watching hockey (even though he can’t ice skate).

In his role at the Foundation, Mike oversees the financial and accounting aspects of the organization and also works closely with our Investment Management Committee.

Mike joined the Community Foundation in 2010 after serving at RSM, an audit, tax and consulting firm in Sioux Falls. A certified public accountant, Mike holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s in professional accountancy from the University of South Dakota.

When he’s not at work, Mike enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife, Lauri, and their two sons where family-favorite activities include swimming, paddling, skiing, and biking.

Deb joined the Community Foundation in 2016 after serving as the business manager for the Children’s Home Society of South Dakota.

A graduate of Dakota State University, Deb and her husband, Jeff, enjoy gardening, concerts, plays and spending time with family and friends.

Nate specializes in helping donors with their philanthropy and working with the Foundation’s organizational endowment partners. He also oversees affiliated community foundations.

Nate joined the Community Foundation in 2019 after serving as an assistant vice president for Augustana University where he managed major giving to the endowment, capital projects and scholarships. He also oversaw the University’s annual giving program as well as alumni relations.

A graduate of Concordia College, Nate is passionate about making the Sioux Falls area an even better place to live, work and play. An active community volunteer, he is also a graduate of Leadership Sioux Falls.

When he’s not at work, you can find Nate fishing, skiing, playing racquetball or tennis, running, reading and cheering for the Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota Vikings.

He and his wife, Mary, are parents to three children, Maggie, Jonah and Gabe.

Shannon joined the Foundation team in 2024 and specializes in walking with donors on their philanthropic journeys.

Before coming to the Foundation, she worked in Member Relations at the South Dakota Biotech Association, and she holds a degree in Broadcast Journalism from Augsburg University. Shannon is also active in volunteering in the community.

When not at work, she is often boating, listening to comedy podcasts and great music, or travelling with her husband, Steve; their two sons, Jake and Simon; and their two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Taylor and Gabby.

A graduate of Augustana University, Mike joined the Community Foundation in 2022.

Previously, he worked in the mortgage division of Plains Commerce Bank and also ran Shafer Imagery, a freelance photography and video production company.

When he’s not at work, you can find Mike taking photos, woodworking, reading, mountain biking, and spending time with his partner, Ruth, and their cat, Bubba.

A graduate of South Dakota State University, Tonya joined the Community Foundation in 2004.

She and her husband, Tim, are parents to two kids as well as Sota, their new puppy.

When she’s not at work, you can find Tonya volunteering at her children’s school and sporting events, scrapbooking, shopping, reading, watching movies and spending time with family.

A graduate of Colorado Technical University, Michelle joined the Community Foundation in 2019.

When she’s not at work, you can find Michelle spending time with her husband, Jack, and their Miniature Pinscher, Sonny. She counts photography, genealogy and listening to music among her favorite hobbies.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Michelle worked at Augustana University where she served as the executive assistant to the president.

A graduate of South Dakota State University, Jamie spent nine years teaching mathematics in the Watertown and Sioux Falls school districts before joining the Foundation team in 2024.

Outside of work, Jamie can be found travelling, trying out new recipes, and spending time with her husband, Brandon, and their two German Shorthaired Pointers, Winston and Bishop.

A graduate of University of South Dakota, Taten joined the Foundation team in 2024. Previously, he worked as a Banker at First PREMIER Bank in Sioux Falls.

When not at work, Taten will be found cheering on Minnesota’s Vikings and Timberwolves, listening to sports and comedy podcasts, volunteering, and reading science fiction, fantasy, and self-improvement books.