Sioux Empire United Way is excited to welcome Lisa Romkema as our new Chief Executive Officer!
Lisa was originally born and raised on a farm near Springfield, South Dakota and her very first job was destasseling corn for a few weeks one summer! She went on to earn a degree in Business/Marketing from Dakota State University. After graduation, she worked for Target as an Executive Team Leader, relocating from Watertown, SD to Fargo, ND, and eventually the Twin Cities, before deciding to move back closer to home.
Lisa is well-acquainted with SEUW, having previously served as Campaign Director from 2010 to 2015. She has a successful track record of annual giving campaigns, major giving, and planned giving, with nearly 14 years of experience in fundraising and nonprofit leadership.
Now as the CEO, Lisa will be responsible for the overall strategic vision and leadership to a talented professional team, as well as to a dedicated board, community volunteers, agency partners, and organizational stakeholders. According to Lisa, she is thrilled and "excited does even scratch the surface!"
To learn more about her, be sure to read our interview below!
Lisa Romkema, SEUW Staff, and volunteers at Jay Powell's retirement party.
Q&A with Lisa Romkema
What was your original connection to Sioux Empire United Way (SEUW) & why did you decide to get involved?
I had been volunteering with organizations through my previous employer and United Way was one that we had supported. When I decided to move back to South Dakota, I started exploring opportunities with organizations that were familiar to me, and at that same time Sioux Empire United Way was looking for a campaign director. I took a chance and applied, was hired, and got a crash course in philanthropy as a career - and I have loved it ever since!
As a Sioux Empire United Way supporter for nearly 14 years, tell us about the moment you were asked to be the Sioux Empire United Way President & CEO.
Excited does even scratch the surface! Having previously worked at SEUW and supported the mission for over a decade, I know the impact that we are making and am thrilled to get to be part of the team again. I also understand the opportunities that we have to strengthen our partnerships in the community, support those who need it most, and continue to build awareness about the power of philanthropy.
Stepping into this role, what goals do you have for yourself, the staff, and the community?
My number one goal for the first year is to spend time with our community partners, leaders, volunteers, and donors. Sioux Empire United Way is a strong organization because of the people who give their time, talent, and treasure, knowing our mission and trusting in the work that is happening. It’s important that we continue to earn that trust and that those who support the mission are well informed about the impact being made because of their generosity. I also think that we have a great opportunity to educate those who are not yet connected to Sioux Empire United Way, and to share the opportunities that we have for philanthropy in all forms.
Lisa Romkema and Christina Riss next to the 2012 Imagination Library bulletin board.
What are you looking forward to as the SEUW CEO moving forward?
I’m most looking forward to working alongside our team, volunteers, community leaders, and partner nonprofits to continue to identify and support the greatest needs in the Sioux Empire. As our community grows, the need for programs and services that prioritize children, vulnerable adults, and people in crisis grows along with it, and the critical role that we play in both awareness and support will remain our focus.
What is one thing you wish your audience knew about SEUW?
There are so many ways to get involved! The work that we do would not be possible without incredible donors and volunteers. Many people think of philanthropy as being only for those who have a lot to give, but every dollar given to SEUW matters and goes to support the identified greatest needs of our partner nonprofits. Additionally, you can support SEUW as a volunteer through a number of avenues, including one day experiences like Volunteer United opportunities, or ongoing opportunities like our Community Impact and Campaign teams. Read more about how you can get involved, here!
We hear many times that people and community leaders give to United Way because you never know when you may need the resources of their funded agencies. Do you have a personal tie to the agencies we hope to support in 2025?
I have an 11 year old, who received Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library books for 5 years - that program is AMAZING because it truly is for everyone. We have given out over two million books right here in the Sioux Empire - that’s something that our entire community should be proud of!
SEUW staff and volunteer Rich Gary celebrating 25 million Imagination Library books delivered.
With your background as SEUW Campaign Director, how do you think that experience will play into your new role?
Because of my background with both Sioux Empire United Way and with other organizations, I have had the opportunity to meet a number of incredibly community minded leaders and individuals over the years. I have also personally been connected to some of our partner nonprofits and have seen first-hand just how impactful SEUW funding is. I plan to use my knowledge of the community and the relationships that I have built over the years to continue to learn about the greatest needs in the Sioux Empire and to build increased awareness about what we do at SEUW.
Having managed hundreds of Campaign volunteers, what advice do you have for individuals interested in volunteering with us?
My advice would be to reach out to our team to learn more about the opportunities and what will fit with your volunteer interests. SEUW volunteers return year after year, because our team makes the role easy, fun, and rewarding. And beyond giving back and being part of great community impact, many of our volunteers make connections throughout the campaign that end up being a future colleague, employer, client, or even just a new friend.
Besides SEUW, what other organizations or nonprofits are you involved with in our community?
I am a volunteer with Central Church Downtown Family Nights and part of 100+ Women who Care in Sioux Falls.
Outdoor portrait of Lisa Romkema and her son Bennett.