Since the birth of his daughter Kathy in 1968, Dr. Ron Reed has worked tirelessly on behalf of citizens with limited abilities. As Secretary of Education and Cultural Affairs for Governor Richard Kneip, he was instrumental in the funding and development of special education programs in South Dakota and for the passage of the American With Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. His professional goal was creating accessibility for all citizens and his volunteer work also focused on it through his involvement with Youth & Family Services (YFS), Black Hills Community Theatre, Black Hills Special Service, Community Health Center, and Dakota Link. Ron planted the seeds for the formation of Flutter Productions when he produced “Oklahoma” with an all abilities cast that included clients of Black Hills Works.

Ron’s involvement with YFS began nearly three decades ago when he served as Owner’s Representative for construction of YFS’ Plaza Boulevard facility and then later our East Adams facility. In 2004, Ron joined YFS’ Board of Directors and has served on the Facilities & Equipment, Finance & Endowment, Executive Committees, as well as serving as Vice President and President of YFS Board of Directors. Throughout the last 18 years, Ron has helped the organization grow into one of the largest, most comprehensive youth-serving nonprofits in the state. Ron’s knowledge of our community and his willingness to take on “the next project” is truly an inspiration to everyone around him. He does it with grace, a smile, and is always willing to listen and adapt to new situations and ideas of others. He is a quiet leader who knows what is right, the easiest way to get it done, is never afraid to ask questions, and knows where to find the right answers.

In 2006, Ron led the way in establishing YFS’ annual Diamonds and Denim Dinner Theatre fundraiser. The goal of this event was to raise awareness of YFS’ services as well as raise much needed funds to provide stable programming to children living throughout western South Dakota. Since the event’s inception, it has raised more than $1 million to do just that. Ron’s creative ideas, plus the hours of hard work to make those ideas shine through, have made an enormous difference in the lives of countless children in our community. 

Recognizing YFS’ need for long-term financial security and stability for its programs, Ron served on the committee to create Youth & Family Services Foundation (YFSF). His leadership and financial oversight have helped YFSF to establish and continue to grow an endowment to meet current and future needs of children in western South Dakota.

In 2018, Ron took a leave from the YFS Board of Directors to serve as Owner’s Representative to the organization’s nearly $14 million East Adams Facility Expansion Project. This project added more than 100,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor learning and play space in order to better serve children and families in our community. Ron was an integral part in the planning and completion of this project.

Induction ceremonies for Ron and nine others will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2022.  

Watch Ron’s “induction interview” on SDPB by clicking play on the video below.