Kristin Bennett, President - Staff

Staff > Kristin Bennett, President

Kristin Bennett’s watching her life come full circle. Growing up in a small piece of heaven called Britton, SD, she was destined to return home to raise her three kids in peace and safety, surrounded by old-fashioned values and the famous mid-western work ethic. “There’s no place like home” rings true after college in San Diego, a career launch in Los Angeles, a move to Rapid City, and then a bit of big-city experience for the family in Denver. Home to stay is the motto for Kristin, although she encourages all young people including her own children to discover what’s out there before landing back in the comfort of a small home town like Britton. Kristin thinks of herself as an accidental entrepreneur. Childhood ambitions centered mainly around raising a family and playing with horses. Much to her own surprise, she is blessed with the ambition, personality, and the crucial everything’s possible attitude that leads to a successful business venture like YES. There’s no better fit for a compassionate and action-oriented person than nonprofit management, and nothing more satisfying than watching her progressive company blossom. And wouldn’t you know, having lived a lot of life in 47 years, that childhood vision came true too. Kristin enjoys an enormous abundance of satisfaction in the love of her three beautiful children, countless horses, cats, dogs, and a large, supportive extended family.

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Professional background:

Executive Skills: Over 17 years experience as a non-profit Executive Director. Extremely efficient and self-motivated with a great combination of leadership personality and teamwork attitude. Kristin is a multi-tasking expert and is especially talented at working well with diverse personalities. She is an experienced staff, volunteer, and committee supervisor who also works well independently. Kristin's years in management have resulted in great public relations, marketing, recruiting, budgeting, finance, interpersonal, and management skills. She has specialized experience in the non-profit world working with charitable and trade organizations.

Practical Skills: Ability to quickly master any software from graphics to spreadsheets. Comfortable administrating a web site, building a database from scratch, and working hands-on with accounting programs. Experienced and comfortable with both PC and Macintosh systems. Experience in a wide range of industries from arts to home building and health charities. Completely abreast of latest trends in technology and media such as producing webinars, podcasts, and e-newsletters.

Interpersonal Skills: Friendly and easy-going personality with ability to shift into polished professional demeanor when appropriate. Extensive public speaking and presentation experience. Outgoing and fun loving; especially gifted at getting along with people and creating positive energy in any environment.

Specialized Training and Awards:

Dakota Rising Program: Recently selected as one of eight entrepreneurs in the State of South Dakota to receive a $10,000 award and three-year fellowship program recognizing the value of my mission to help nonprofit organizations succeed.

National Leadership Program, 1996-98: Selected as one of 14 professional Executive Directors (nationwide) to participate in a non-profit skills development program. Traveled to locations throughout the United States for intensive training which included public speaking, political awareness, media techniques, finance and budgeting, record keeping, ethics and boundaries, board function, volunteer relations, committee management, time management for executives and directors, and more.
Executive Director Conferences, 1992-present: Attend national conferences each year, taking part in specialized training courses for Executive Directors. Varied sessions include many topics such as technological advances, communication skills, PR, networking, and all aspects of business management.

CAE Certification: Currently in the process of initiating my training as a Certified Association Executive through the American Society of Association Executives.

Education:
Point Loma University, San Diego: BA Graphics Communications, BA Business Administration, emphasis in Public Relations, 1986
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, Pre-med coursework, 1995-1996
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Trolley to Notre Dame De La Garde, Marseilles, France
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Kristin Bennett and kids Emma, Clara and Joe (and Charlie, the world's best dog) Canoeing at Historic Fort Ransom, ND.

YES.

Staff > Kristin Bennett, President

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