SDCF Elects New Board Members

South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) held board member elections at the Fall 2024 Board Meeting in Deadwood. SDCF welcomed three new members – Jack Kucera of Lead, Susan Overgaard of Centerville and Preston Steele of Huron, S.D.

“Jack, Susan and Preston bring a great deal of leadership experience to the Board, but most importantly, they bring a strong commitment to the future of South Dakota,” said SDCF President & CEO Stephanie Judson.

Jack Kucera is a seasoned business leader and philanthropist. A 1978 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, he earned an MBA from Arizona State University and led the growth of Climatec into the nation’s largest independent systems integrator. After selling part of Climatec to Bosch in 2015, he retained and rebranded the HVAC division as Varitec Solutions. Kucera also co-founded HUNTAIR and BasX Solutions, both focused on high-tech HVAC systems. Dedicated to educational equity, he has supported A Stepping Stone Foundation, Teach for America, and the Air Force Academy Foundation. Jack and his wife, Vianne, live in Lead, SD, and Phoenix, AZ.

Susan Overgaard grew up in eastern South Dakota and later moved to Centerville, SD, after graduating from South Dakota State University in 1976. Susan and her husband, Larry, raised two daughters and became active in the community. Susan owned a small retail store before working for 20 years at First Midwest Bank, earning licenses in insurance and investments. Since retiring, she has been deeply involved in local organizations like the Centerville Area Foundation, contributing to numerous community projects. Susan is enthusiastic about small-town life and community service.

Preston Steele was born in Huron, SD, and grew up on a family farm near Wolsey. After earning a business management degree from the University of South Dakota, Preston joined American Bank & Trust in 1997, continuing a family legacy of banking. He led American Trust Insurance LLC from 1999 to 2023, growing the company to 45 employees before selling it. Currently, Preston is Chairman/President of Leackco Bank Holding Company and Executive Chairman of American Bank & Trust, with branches across SD, MN, and ND. He has held leadership roles in several community organizations and remains committed to South Dakota's development.

Three current members were elected to serve an additional three-year term. Those members are Mark Buche of Mitchell, Casey Peterson of Rapid City and Hani Shafai of Rapid City.

The Board also recognized outgoing Board Members Karl Adam of Pierre, Marilyn Hoyt of Huron and Doug Sharp of Watertown. Karl Adam ended his term as Chair of the Investment Committee and Board Treasurer. Marilyn Hoyt ended her term as Resource Development Committee Chair. Doug Sharp ended his term as Past Chair.

“I personally want to thank Karl, Marilyn and Doug for their years of service and leadership to South Dakota. They worked diligently to improve our organizational strength and efficiency for the benefit of those we serve,” said Judson. “I consider them leaders, mentors and friends.”