When asked about her new role as the Director of Communications & Administration for Sioux Falls Thrive, Kristy Anderson smiles. And she can’t stop smiling.
“I feel like this role is the culmination of my previous experience, all rolled into one,” she says. “And that I get to help children be successful in life is icing on the cake. I couldn’t ask for anything better.”
Kristy Anderson brings with her more than 30 years of experience in communications and marketing, in roles as varied as news graphics manager, graphic design manager, communications coordinator and digital content specialist. She’s worked for three newspapers, two universities, a church, and a healthcare organization, and spent 20 years working in the non-profit world for a long-term care organization.
In her new position, she’ll be responsible for the development and implementation of strategic communications, marketing, donor relations, and community engagement. She’ll also support Sioux Falls Thrive’s President, Michelle Erpenbach, with the operation of the organization and bring thought leadership to the table.
Kristy Anderson’s understanding of the growing needs of the Sioux Falls community will be critical as Thrive evolves in the coming years. I’m excited to have her compassionate heart, innovative ideas and creative thought process supporting the work of our hundreds of volunteers as they address issues critical to the success of kids in our city.
Anderson grew up in Huron and graduated from South Dakota State University. She has lived in Sioux Falls for nearly 30 years. She and her husband, Doug, have two children: a son, Nick, and a daughter, Samantha.
“Family is the most important thing for me,” she says. “I want to be sure that my kids are making the choices in life that will help them become successful adults. And I want to give these opportunities to all kids in the Sioux Falls area and beyond, so they have every chance to fulfill their life dreams.”