Community Foundation Challenge Grants

Based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Jeff serves as the Director of Development for the South Dakota Community Foundation. In this role, he collaborates with donors, advisors, nonprofits and communities in the southeast region to bring philanthropy to life for a stronger South Dakota.

Prior to his current position, Jeff served as the Executive Director of the USF Foundation at the University of Sioux Falls, where he guided multimillion-dollar campaigns for endowments, programs, and infrastructure. His dedication to philanthropy was preceded by six years as a retail manager at Murdoch’s Ranch and Home Supply, where he honed his leadership and customer service skills in Montana and Washington State.

Raised on a Montana ranch, Jeff has a passion for the outdoors and eagerly seizes any chance to immerse himself in nature. He’s a graduate of the University of Sioux Falls with both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Business Administration, where his involvement in the Cross Country and Track programs further enriched his collegiate experience.

Based out of Rapid City, she brings together stakeholders throughout western South Dakota to address issues by implementing local solutions. She enjoys working with donors, professional advisors and nonprofit partners to make charitable visions a reality.

Beth grew up at Fort Meade/Sturgis and graduated from Texas Lutheran University. She is a graduate of Leadership South Dakota and earned the CFRE certification in 2019. Prior to her work with the SDCF, she held leadership positions with Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota, Native American Environmental, and the McKie Automotive Group.

In addition to her responsibilities at the Foundation, she is an active community member serving as the Board Chair for the Sanford Underground Research Facility Foundation, Thrivent Financial Strategy team, Past President of the SD Chapter of AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals), Past President of the West River Estate and Financial Planners, and the South Dakota Nonprofit Network,

She and her husband Mark have two grown sons.

Earning her Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) in 2023, she is dedicated to further supporting South Dakota communities. Based in Pierre, Jamie works with SDCF’s Community Savings Accounts (CSAs), and their local Advisory Councils to create lasting community impact. She listens to donors, nonprofits, advisors and leaders in central South Dakota, collaborating to achieve their charitable goals. Leading SDCF’s statewide marketing efforts, Jamie shares the Foundation’s mission with clarity and purpose to connect and inspire.

Jamie is grateful to serve on the boards of the Boys and Girls Club of the Capital Area and the Association of Fundraising Professionals-South Dakota. As a Leadership South Dakota graduate, she remains committed to personal growth and supporting those around her.

Raised on a cattle and wheat ranch near the South Dakota Badlands, Jamie learned the value of community in rural areas. A University of Wyoming graduate, she is honored to contribute to SDCF’s mission of creating legacy for South Dakota. She resides in Fort Pierre with her husband, Tony.

Based in Aberdeen, he works with donors, communities, nonprofits, and financial advisors in understanding how the SDCF strengthens South Dakota, today and for future generations.

Gallagher works directly with SDCF’s regional community savings account partners, including the Aberdeen Area Community Foundation (AACF), as well as area nonprofits and individuals. In addition, his work includes a partnership with the Knight Foundation in soliciting grants for their endowment fund benefitting the Aberdeen community.

Pat grew up in Redfield and attended the University of Notre Dame. After college, he lived in the Washington, D.C. area for about 15 years and worked in educational communications and nonprofit public relations. In 1998, he returned to South Dakota to live in Aberdeen. He worked as the Development Officer for the Aberdeen Catholic School System for more than 17 years, where he assisted donors in meeting their goals of supporting the school system through estate gifts, capital gifts, scholarships, and other methods. Prior to coming to SDCF, he served as Resource Development Director for GROW South Dakota for four years, obtaining grants and other funding to support its community development mission.

Ashley Hobbs was born in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa, and is a proud graduate of Iowa State University with a degree in Hospitality Management. She brings over a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and community development, most recently serving as Executive Director of the Mitchell Area United Way. Ashley is also a passionate CPR advocate, driven by her own family’s experience and committed to increasing awareness and access to lifesaving skills. She and her husband, Kyle, have four children—Nora, Sullivan, Cullen and Declan—and enjoy staying active in their community.