Leadership Pierre Class of 2026-2027

The Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes the Leadership Pierre Class of 2026-2027! We’re excited to kick off another year of professional growth, community connections, and leadership development with this new group of participants!
2026-2027 Leadership Pierre Full Program:
 

• Andrew Bange – River Cities Public Transit
• Isaac Buchholtz – Anderson Contractors, Inc.
• Tyler Hemmingson – Avera
• Caleb Huizenga – City of Pierre
• Corwin Jones – Pierre Area Referral Service
• Makayla Kroeplin – Kroeplin Air Service, LLC
• Kenzie Kuxhaus – Capital Area Counseling Service
• Shawn Martin – Capital Journal & Reminder Plus
• Kendra Mulder-Mews – Bachand & Hruska, P.C.
• Marguerite Neill – BankWest
• Cody Peitz – City of Pierre
• Catherine Seeley – Gunderson, Palmer, Nelson, & Ashmore, LLP
• Trista Stenson – BankWest
• Alexander Walton – Morris, Inc.

2026-2027 Leadership Pierre Classroom Only:

• Julie Bass - BankWest
• Blake Cruse – First Dakota National Bank
• Christina Fischer – Circle of Care Veterinary Center
• Kimberly Leiferman – Countryside Hospice and Memory Center
• Dani Norden – Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce
• Miranda Panzer – Visit Pierre, SD
• Eric Peterson – River Cities Public Transit
• Andrea Theilen – South Dakota Department of Education
• Alexis Timmons – Black Hills Federal Credit Union

Leadership Pierre is a community leadership development program that brings professionals together from the Pierre and Fort Pierre area to strengthen leadership skills, build community connections, and explore issues impacting Central South Dakota.
 
Throughout the program year, participants completed sessions focused on business, government, healthcare, education, and community engagement. Graduation recognizes their commitment to professional growth and community leadership.
The Leadership Educational Classroom Sessions are led by Eric Therwanger. Erik Therwanger is a dynamic force in personal and professional growth. As an author of eight books, and the founder of Think Great, a veteran-owned company, he draws on his background as a United States Marine and executive business leader.

Thank you to our:
Program Sponsor: BankWest
Transportation Champion Sponsor: River Cities Public Transit