Michael Heisler is a physician from Sioux Falls. He has been actively working on climate change for over 10 years, initially with a focus on the health impact of climate change, but quickly expanding to climate change more broadly.  He is committed to finding measurable, outcome driven, real solutions to this challenge that we all face.

Deb Hagemeier recently retired as an academic librarian at a local university. Earlier in her career she worked in a VA hospital library, a health professional association, and an environmental engineering firm that specialized in pollution control, hazardous waste management, and land reclamation. She has an undergraduate degree in Biology from Northwestern College and a master’s degree in Library Science from the University of Iowa. Deb grew up as part of the Rachel Carson generation and is deeply concerned about the climate crisis that has continued to escalate. At the same time, Deb is hopeful because grassroots groups like SoDak 350 are advocating for actions that will ensure the future of our planet.

​Jim McAdaragh recently retired after working nearly 40 years in the financial services industry. His interest in ecology and the environment dates back to the first Earth Day celebration when his Junior High School sponsored a litter clean-up campaign. He implemented a recycling program at his company's corporate headquarters 35 years ago - a program that continues to this day. Jim was an early adopter of hybrid vehicles, as well as high efficiency household HVAC systems and appliances. His interests include walking and hiking, gardening (using drip irrigation to minimize water usage), American history, astronomy and bird-watching.

Shelby Hintze Jepperson is a doctoral student and public health professional. A biology major and naturalist intern during her undergraduate education, she began to understand the importance of providing practical information and engaging the community to increase awareness of environmental health. Now she enjoys teaching about how climate change effects our health and what we can do to make impactful changes. Growing up in an electric passive solar home, she learned about the importance of sustainability through the habits of her parents and grandparents. Having lived in South Dakota the entirety of her life, she knows community members have the know-how to see change is needed. Shelby hopes the work of SoDak350 will inspire action in people and make the world a healthier and more equitable place to live.

Jeff Smith is retired, but still owns a specialized print finishing and letterpress shop in Sioux Falls, now managed by his son. Jeff is a 2019 ‘graduate’ of Climate Reality Leadership Training. He's been a member of SoDak 350 since its inception, and is growing more concerned about his granddaughter’s future every day. Jeff grew up in Dell Rapids, where he and his wife raised their two sons, and has been a resident of Sioux Falls for about 9 years.

Sharon Schulz-Elsing is a lifelong South Dakotan and Sioux Falls community volunteer and activist with a passion for effective communication. She grew up in a small town where nature and seeing the the impacts people can have on the environment were as easy to access as walking out the back door. She holds degrees in English and journalism from Augustana University, and her life's work has been to help people discover deeper knowledge and the power of language and experience to expand our perspectives. She believes in the power of community action and groups like SoDak 350 to chart a sustainable future where her two young adult children can live in harmony and prosperity with everything and everyone else who calls this planet home.

Arlene Brandt-Jenson retired from the Natural Resources Conservation Service where she helped landowners implement conservation solutions. She became a Master Gardener and has held leadership positions on the state level with Master Gardeners and the Soil and Water Conservation Society. She enjoys teaching others about the importance of pollinators and planting the right plants to support them. In her role as Administrative Coordinator, Arlene schedules meetings, prepares minutes, and
uses her organizational skills to help keep SoDak 350 moving forward.