South Dakota State Society Board
Blaine Reynolds, President
Blaine is a graduate of Grant-Deuel High School in Revillo, South Dakota. After High School, he joined the Air National Guard and graduated from the University of South Dakota while serving. After college, he moved to Washington, D.C. where he took a position at the Department of State. He currently works in Arlington, and serves with the D.C. Air National Guard.
Justin Bergeson, Vice President
Bio and photo coming soon
Cassie Blake, Membership
Cassie moved to South Dakota when she was in 7th grade and attended Patrick Henry Middle School and Washington High School in Sioux Falls. She then attended the University of South Dakota as a Mickelson scholar, graduating with a B.A. in Journalism and Political Science and a minor in Spanish in 2014. Cassie moved with her now-husband, Ryan, to D.C. after graduating. She currently provides communication services to non-profit organizations that advance free societies. She spends most of her free-time with her dog, Chewie, and playing in various social sporting leagues.
Maren Colon, Marketing and Communications; Immediate Past President
Maren Colon grew up playing in the All Saints historic neighborhood park of Mckennan until she was cheering for the Patriots at Lincoln High School. After her time in Sioux Falls, Maren took the 63.3 mile drive south to Vermillion to become a Coyote at the University of South Dakota (USD). Maren graduated USD with a B.A. in Political Science and Contemporary Media and Journalism and a minor in French Studies. Maren also lived in Brussels, Belgium and interned with the Federation of Direct Marketing Associations(FEDMA) before venturing to Washington, DC in August of 2009. Maren has served as the Vice Chair on the USD Alumni Association Board of Directors and continues to stay active with her cherished alma mater. Maren works for Consumer Bankers Association as their Manager of Associate Membership and Corporate Philanthropy, after previously been in Government Relations for four years with Denny Miller Associates. In a quest to bridge her two favorite places together, Maren is willing to give tours of DC to any South Dakotans coming to visit and is ALWAYS available if you have questions or want any helpful tips on making your way to DC.
Katie Douglas, Secretary
Katie was born and raised in Pierre, S.D. and earned her B.A. in Political Science from the University of South Dakota. She moved to Washington, D.C. in 2011 to work for Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) before switching gears to fundraising. She spent three years managing the political action committee (PAC) for the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, Inc. Currently, Katie serves as the press secretary for U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.). In her free time, Katie enjoys spending time outdoors, hanging out with friends and trying new restaurants!
Matthew Hittle, Social
Bio and photo coming soon
Katie Lingle, Community Service
Bio and photo coming soon
Angela Merkle, Community Service
Angela grew up on a farm outside of Harrisburg, S.D. and earned her B.A. in Government and International Affairs from Augustana University (SKOL!). She spent her last semester of college interning for The Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C. Not ready to give up the D.C. life, she officially moved to D.C. in the spring of 2016 to intern for U.S. Senator Mike Rounds. Angela currently serves as a Legislative Correspondent for U.S. Senator John Thune. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, playing in recreational sports leagues, and hanging with friends.
Logan Penfield, Social
Logan Penfield grew up on a farm outside of Cresbard, S.D. and is a graduate of South Dakota State University. Logan moved to Washington, D.C. in the fall of 2012 to intern for U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.), who he then worked for until Spring 2015. Logan currently serves as a Legislative Aide for U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.).
Kelly Wismer, Treasurer
Kelly Wismer grew up in Britton, South Dakota amon 20 some first cousins and both sets of grandparents. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science from the University of South Dakota. Kelly moved to Washington, D.C., to work for Senator Tim Johnson, and when the Senator retired at the end of 2014, one of the tenets of her job search was that she be able to remain connected to rural America through her work. Kelly found just that when she began working for NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association where she is the Strategic Outreach Manager, managing the association's targeted outreach initiative building strategic relationships with over 90 national organizations and federal agencies focused on education, health care, public safety, utilities, small business, and agriculture.