Deb Kjerstad, Thrive Capital Campaign Director, will transition to the position of Director of Leadership Development over the next few months. “Deb has experience that will guide our path in leadership development,” said Bishop Bruce R. Ough, Dakotas-Minnesota Area. “When Deb began as the Director of Thrive, we witnessed her ability to coach and lead others to new levels of excellence. Her past experience as a leader and developer in the corporate world will be an asset to the organization and all those individuals she will work with.”

Kjerstad will be the driving force in the area of clergy effectiveness and will work with the Board of Ordained Ministry (BOM) and the Extended Cabinet to address the development and implementation of programs and policies necessary to increase clergy effectiveness and leadership capacity, to develop the next generation of clergy leaders and develop a “culture of call” throughout the Conference.  Specific duties of the position include:

• Resourcing the Board of Ordained Ministry (BOM) in the areas of identifying, recruiting and preparing clergy leaders. 

• Partnering with the Developing Missional Leaders Link, Lay Servant Ministries Leadership, Director of Camping and Retreat Ministries and Youth Ministry Leadership to develop the Equipping Missional Leaders Link and implement integrated strategies for leadership development across all these areas.

• Partnering with communications staff to keep Leadership Development resources current and as a tool for recruitment, support and information.

• Provide support for chairpersons in preparing for and leading BOM meetings.

• Partner with BOM chair and conference staff in preparing Business of the Annual Conference.

• Represent Dakotas Conference with regional, jurisdictional and general church groups.

As a leader, Deb Kjerstad brings over 30 years of experience in the corporate world. She has spent time in leadership roles for Bath and Body Works, Limited Stores and Hallmark.  “I am transferring my skills as a leader, mentor and trainer into the church sector,” said Kjerstad, “I seek to lead a program to develop and equip church leaders to bring more people to Christ.”

Music is a passion for Kjerstad, who participated in music at Dakota Wesleyan University. She is a very active member of Canyon Lake United Methodist Church in Rapid City, South Dakota, as a member of the Praise Team and a Sunday School leader. She serves a dean for camping, as well as several other efforts at her local church.

Kjerstad is married to Darrel, mom to Lauren, middle school, and Nolan, fifth grade.  They live in Rapid City.  Deb loves to sing, cook and travel.  She will have the opportunity as the Director of Leadership Development to travel across the Conference and various locations representing the Dakotas Conference. She plans to work in the Conference Office in Mitchell 8-10 days each month and then work virtually from Rapid City when she is not traveling to meetings and other engagements.

“Deb brings gifts, talents and enthusiasm to the position that inspire people,” said Rev. Rebecca Trefz, Dakotas Conference Director of Ministries. “She also has a passion for the church and a belief in the power of Christ to transform lives. I look forward to partnering with her in developing missional leaders for the Dakotas Conference and The United Methodist Church.”

The shift in job roles also means that Rev. Steve Trefz, Equipper of Lay Servant Ministries for the Dakotas-Minnesota Area will transition out of his duties over the next few months. Additionally, Taya Swanson, Project Manager for Thrive, will transition to serve as the Administrative Assistant to the Director of Leadership Development.