15-02-2025
Nonprofit leader named executive director at largest eastern South Dakota animal shelter
The Sioux Falls Area Humane Society, the largest nonprofit animal shelter in eastern South Dakota, has named Jami Gates Grieve as its new executive director, according to a Monday media release.
Grieve will begin her new role on Feb. 24, after 18 years of nonprofit leadership experience with the American Cancer Society and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sioux Empire (renamed Climb in 2019 after consolidating with Lutheran Social Services) and two years as the membership director for the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce.
Most recently, Grieve worked in employee benefits roles with Aflac and Midwest Employee Benefits Inc.
The previous Humane Society executive director, James Oppenheimer, vacated the role after about a year and a half to assume the role of CEO at the Sioux Falls YMCA last September. Chief Financial Officer Michelle Hentschel has served as the interim executive director since then and will continue in her role as CFO once Grieve begins in her new position.
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'I think she'll be a great fit here,' Hentschel said. 'We have a fantastic, strong leadership team here, and I think she's going to complement them so well. We're excited to get going with her and just continue the great work that we have going on.'
Grieve, a Sioux Falls Washington High grad, earned her bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Management at the University of Sioux Falls and her Master's in Business Administration - Strategic Leadership at Dakota Wesleyan University.
Grieve has also served as a classroom volunteer with Junior Achievement of South Dakota, a Sanford Metro Consumer Advisory Council member and a selection committee member for the SIOUXPERHERO Citizen Recognition Program.
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The Sioux Falls Area Humane Society, located at 3720 E. Benson Road, has been serving animals since 1919. The nonprofit organization takes in abandoned, abused and homeless animals and helps them find permanent homes through training, veterinary care and compassion.
According to Hentschel, the SFAHS currently houses 220 animals, including dogs, cats, guinea pigs and more. The organization remains committed to its mission and is projected to serve thousands of animals this year.
Thanks to the dedication of the SFAHS team, the last two years have broken records in how many animals were adopted - 4,437 last year and 3,807 in 2023. As of Thursday, 492 adoptions have already been completed this year, surpassing last year's numbers at this time.
The organization is funded through donations and bequests, special events, adoption fees and community fundraisers.
Anyone who wishes to help can donate pet food, make a financial contribution, purchase items from the humane society's shelter, Amazon or Chewy wish lists, become a foster and volunteer their time.
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Visitors can also fill out an application to meet the animals and maybe even find a new furry friend (or they choose you) through adoption. Adoptable animals are listed on the humane society's website at
This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Sioux Falls Area Humane Society names new executive director
