Our Staff
​

NANCY SWANSON
​​Executive Director
​Nancy has served as the Executive Director of the South Dakota Youth Foundation, Inc. since its inception in 2015. Nancy's career in Philanthropy/Nonprofit work spans 30+years. She is a Certified Fundraising Professional.
​
Phone: (605) 692-8705
Email: [email protected]

​CAROL BIRGEN
​​Program Leader​
​Carol Birgen serves as Program Leader for the Teens As Teachers program. Her responsibilities include recruiting and training Teen Teachers as well as the development of curriculum lessons.
​
Phone: (605) 830-5831
Email: [email protected]
​

​MEG COOK
​​Social Media Manager​
​Meg currently attends the University of South Dakota, Vermillion. She is pursuing education in Musical Theater, Tourism and Hospitality, and Social Media Marketing.  Meg is also passionate about philanthropy and volunteerism. Meg designs and manages social media for the South Dakota Youth Foundation, Inc.
​
​Phone: (605) 692-8705
Email: [email protected]​

​KARI YORK
​​Trainer and Marketing Manager​
Kari’s background includes degrees in Child Development and Special Education.  Kari joins the team as a trainer for Teens As Teachers Training Summits, assist in the development of educational materials and help tell the story of the positive impact of te Teens As Teachers program through various marketing strategies.

​Phone: (605) 692-8705
Email: [email protected]​

​WENDY FLANERY
​​Fund Development and Data Management​
​With a background in business and finance, Wendy serves as an administrator/data entry specialist for the Teens as Teachers program.  Her responsibilities include supporting the Teen Teacher scholarship, teaching and fundraising efforts.

​Phone: (605) 692-8705​
​Email: [email protected]

Board of Directors

​Nick Foshiem, Sioux Falls, SD, President

​Jesse Abernathy, Representing Crow Creek Reservation

​Dr. Debra DeBates, Brookings

​Dee Gulson, Brandon, SD

Jim Burg, Wessington Springs, SD