2025 40 Under 40 Winners

Under Erin’s leadership as Vice President, annual revenue for the Sanford Health Foundation grew from $5 million to over $11 million, marking a 120% increase. She co-led efforts to fund the region’s first pediatric emergency department, supporting her team member in securing a $3 million gift to transform emergency care for local children. 

Through securing a $4 million philanthropic investment in rural women’s health, Erin helped bring 3D mammography equipment to underserved areas—dramatically improving early detection rates and patient outcomes. 

She was named Children’s Miracle Network Hospital Person of the Year (2019) and nominated in 2024 for the Women of Excellence – Excellence in Leadership award in Sioux Falls. 

I got into healthcare philanthropy because I’ve always had a heart for healing and a deep commitment to people’s well-being. I wanted more than a job—I wanted purpose. This work allows me to support patients and families during some of their most vulnerable moments, ensuring they receive not just treatment, but compassion, dignity, and hope. Growing up in a rural community, I understand how critical access to healthcare is, and how philanthropy helps close the gap between what’s needed and what’s possible.

I originally went to college for dental hygiene—until a heart-to-heart with my advisor changed my path. While my science and math grades were not exactly award-winning, I was excelling in communications and business. I passionately argued why I’d still make a great hygienist, and she said, “You’ve almost convinced me to let you into dental hygiene school, which tells me you might belong in public relations.” That moment stuck. Around the same time, I was volunteering for local nonprofits and remember standing at a Radiothon event thinking, *Wait… someone gets paid to do this meaningful work?!* That’s when it clicked: I could turn my love of community, storytelling, and service into a career—and I’ve never looked back.

Once I got into the field, I realized healthcare philanthropy wasn’t just a job—it was a core part of who I am. I’ve always been drawn to creating connection, and this work allows me to do just that: connecting people to purpose, generosity to healing, and stories to lasting impact.

I vividly remember my very first event early in my career at another nonprofit, where I met a young boy named Tysen who used a wheelchair. He was the first patient I ever connected with, and after seeing his sweet smile and spending just a few minutes with him, I walked into the bathroom and cried. It wasn’t sadness—in fact, I'm not sure I knew what it was in that moment. Looking back now, I know it was an overwhelming sense of clarity. I knew, without question, that this was what God put me on this earth to do.

Along the way, I’ve come to understand that healthcare is the great equalizer. No matter who we are or where we come from, how many birthdays you've celebrated or where you're at in life, we all have a healthcare story. I’ve been deeply impacted—both by Tysen and his family, who became close to my heart, and through my own friends & family’s journey with illness and healing. Each experience has only strengthened my belief that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. It’s a blessing to help make a difference in someone’s most vulnerable moments—and to walk alongside them with compassion, hope, and purpose.

A pivotal moment in my career came in 2021 when I stepped into the Vice President role at our Foundation after serving on the team for seven years—primarily in the annual giving space. It was a significant transition, taking on leadership of the entire development team during a time when fundraising, and the world, were still deeply impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The team was also navigating a period of transition, with some turnover and uncertainty that had naturally affected morale and trust.

Rather than focusing solely on metrics, I focused on people. I prioritized transparency, encouraged honest conversations, and worked to build a culture rooted in clarity, connection, and shared purpose. I stayed true to who I was—even when it would’ve been easier to stay quiet or play it safe—and I made it a point to surround myself with people who believed deeply in the mission and in each other.

Rebuilding culture takes time, trust, and consistency. But what followed was not only a stronger, more connected team—it became the foundation for our record-breaking fundraising success. That experience reminded me that culture is not a byproduct of results, it’s what makes them possible. And it reaffirmed my belief that when you lead with authenticity and courage, real momentum follows.

My greatest passion is being there for people—truly showing up when it matters most. Whether it’s in my career or personal life, I love being the one others can count on. Through my work, I connect generosity to healing and purpose. But that same drive shows up in other parts of my life too—whether I’m volunteering, helping a friend through a tough time, organizing a school project, coaching my son’s baseball team, or bringing a little extra fun to a get-together. I love being present, dependable, and all-in for the people I care about.

For me, it all comes back to creating meaningful connection, memorable moments. I believe when you care deeply and act intentionally, you can help transform someone’s hardest day into something hopeful—or turn an ordinary moment into something unforgettable. I do my best to be a light when I walk into a room, because you never know what someone else is carrying. But I also know I have hard days too. I’ve learned that being a light doesn’t mean being perfect—it means showing up with empathy, choosing positivity when you can, and giving grace to others and yourself along the way. That’s what fuels me in every role I take on, and it’s why I consider connection my greatest passion and purpose.

Remember that this work is deeply human. It’s about relationships, not transactions. You’ll be trusted with people’s stories... some joyful, some heartbreaking... and it’s a privilege to hold that space with care and intention. Be a good listener, lead with empathy, and know that your impact often goes far beyond what can be measured in dollars.

Also, pace yourself. The work is important, but so is your well-being. It’s okay to feel deeply—but find healthy ways to refuel so you can keep showing up for others. Celebrate the small wins, stay curious, and don’t lose sight of why you started. When in doubt, go back to the patients and families—because they’ll remind you exactly why this work matters.

And above all—stay authentic. You’ll work with a wide range of people, personalities, and thought processes. Not everyone will approach problems the same way you do—and that’s okay. What matters is that you stay grounded in who you are. Leading with honesty, consistency, and integrity might take time to build trust, but when people see that you're showing up as your true self, that trust will run deep. Authenticity isn’t just a strength—it’s a foundation for meaningful, lasting impact.