Staff

Andy works to connect donors, nonprofits and civic leaders to help advance ideas and strategic community investments for a vibrant future where everyone can thrive. Andy 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, which raised $25 million for the endowment as well as capital improvement projects.

Andy holds a bachelor’s degree and an MBA from USF. A member of the Sioux Empire Leadership Council, Andy also serves on the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce’s Foundation Board and Business Leadership Council, as well as Sioux Falls Thrive’s Strategy Council. He is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the Sioux Falls Estate Planning Council and Downtown Rotary. Andy also holds the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) designation, maintaining an in-depth knowledge of the philanthropic process.

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 daughter, Hadley.

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, as well as the Youth Advisory Council.

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.

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

With more than a decade of leadership experience in the public and private sectors, Ben joined the Community Foundation in 2021.

A graduate of the University of South Dakota, he also holds a master’s degree in higher education administration from USD. He and his wife, Sarah, are parents to Reese, Grady and Case.

When he’s not at work, you can find Ben spending time with his family or recording a new episode of the MANDATE Podcast. A CrossFit enthusiast, he also enjoys snowboarding in Colorado and playing/coaching baseball in Harrisburg.

A graduate of the University of South Dakota, Kelly oversees the Foundation’s website and print publications, as well as strategic advertising initiatives.

Kelly joined the Community Foundation in 2019 after serving in communications roles for Augustana University and Wells Fargo.

When she’s not at work, Kelly enjoys spending time with family, being outdoors, reading, meandering through antique shops and yard sales, and dreaming about her next trip to IKEA.

She and her husband, David, are parents to Emily, Anne and Benjamin.

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 two rescue dachshunds, Max and Murphy. 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.

Taryn manages the Foundation's scholarship program, facilitates donor-advised giving and supports community investment grantmaking.

Taryn is a graduate of South Dakota State University, where she majored in Leadership and Management of Nonprofit Organizations and also earned her Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential. During her time at SDSU, Taryn worked as an admissions ambassador and served as a technician for the IT Support Desk. She also studied abroad in Europe for a semester, traveling to 30 different cities in 10 different countries. In 2020, she completed a summer internship with the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation where she gained hands-on experience meeting with various local nonprofits and working on a number of community investment initiatives.

A native of Sioux Falls, Taryn is a past member of the Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council, a program designed for high school students who are passionate about making a difference in their communities.

When she’s not at work, Taryn can be found cooking, reading, watching movies and exercising. She and her husband, Luke, live in Sioux Falls.

A graduate of Augustana University, Mike joined the Community Foundation as an Accounting Associate in 2022.

In his role, Mike supports the accounting and financial operations of the Foundation including grants payable, fiscal sponsorship support, investment management and financial reporting. 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 (favorite genre: sci-fi), tinkering with electronics and spending time with his partner, Ruth, and their cat, Bubba.