Our People

Kerry Feilmeier- Executive Director

Originally from Utica, South Dakota, Kerry first began working with Heartland in September, 2011 and has been employed by nonprofit agencies since 2007. Kerry is a graduate of the University of South Dakota with a major in marketing, journalism, and English. In her spare time, Kerry enjoys helping on the family farm, fostering, live music and travel.

You can email Kerry at edirector@sdheartlandhumanesociety.com

A woman with glasses smiling while holding a small black puppy in her hands. The woman is wearing a green shirt and a black watch, and is in an indoor setting with pet cages and supplies in the background.

Abi Benson - Community Programming Director

Abi has called Yankton home since 2013, moving with her family from Nebraska. Her husband, Brian, and children Willa and Finn love the lake life accommodations of living in Yankton. Previously, Abi was an elementary teacher. Her role at HHS will put her smack back into the community, overseeing community programming for HHS and assisting with volunteer relations. 

You can email Abi at donate@sdheartlandhumanesociety.com

A young girl in a blue shirt and gray shorts pets a smiling golden retriever sitting while a woman kneels besides them, wearing glasses and a T-shirt that says 'here to pet animals', in an outdoor area with a fence and shed in the background.

Kendra Pinkelman - Veterinary Technician

Kendra calls Nebraska home and graduated from Northeast Community College in 2025. Growing up on the farm, Kendra loves to care for a variety of animals including cows on the farm and cats and dogs at HHS. She is excited to be married in 2027 and start her own roots.

You can email Kendra at intake@sdheartlandhumanesociety.com

A veterinarian in blue scrubs is administering a vaccine to a young dog on a table. The dog is being held gently by a person, while the veterinarian prepares the injection. In the background, there are supplies, including a bag of dog food and cleaning spray.

Sarah White - Administrative Assistant

Sarah resides in Yankton with her little dogs and has impacted many agencies in town with her professional help, including Pathways and Lewis & Clark Behavorial Health. Sarah has a degree in social work and a passion for helping people. Her roles at HHS include office and shelter management as well as navigating solutions for clients, customers, volunteers and staff! 

You can email Sarah at info@sdheartlandhumanesociety.com

A woman smiling and standing next to a large anthropomorphic animal mascot with glasses, a pink nose, and a big open mouth, at a convention or event.

Janette Kaddatz - Adoption & Animal Behavior Coordinator

Janette’s passion for animals began as a child growing up in North Dakota with pets and spending every summer on her grandparent’s farm. She dreamed of vet school but chose a different path and pursued a degree in family science and psychology. She is one of the founding volunteers of Heartland Humane Society and decided to become involved with the organization because of her passion for working with animals and the desire to be involved with placing unwanted animals into new, loving, forever homes. 

You can email Janette at adopt@sdheartlandhumanesociety.com

A woman with glasses and gray hair holding a small brown and black puppy with floppy ears and a tongue sticking out, sitting on a couch with a wooden background.

Kennel Staff:

Charlotte Smith has spent her high school career helping HHS animals on the weekends and summer days. She assists with veterinary care, adoptions and volunteers as well.

Ted Fargo started in 2025 at HHS and is the guy behind most of the kennel staff cleaning and care of animals.

Max Folkers is behind the scenes making sure animals are well cared for on the weekends.

Myka Fargo started in 2026 and is the ultimate caretaker and weekend warrior.

Are you interested in pet care and helping shelter animals get adopted Saturdays and Sundays? Contact us to learn about joining the team.

A conference room with a long wooden table surrounded by beige upholstered chairs, a brick wall, large windows, a whiteboard, and office supplies on the table.

Board of Directors

2026 Board of Directors

President - Dick Thompson, Vishay 
Vice President - Heather Anderson, USD
Secretary - Jill Paulson, USD
Treasurer Bob Standen, Shur-co 

Members - Sheila Woodward (MWH Law); Lisa Ketcham (USD); Adrian Tippit (USD): and Todd Cowman (PC's Plus.); Heather Hofer (Gerstner Oil); Brandon Shapekahm (CNHi)

Mike Villaneuva joins the HHS Board of Directors as a representative of the City of Yankton Commissioners.

The HHS Board of Directors meets on the second Thursday of each month. The board is responsible for the overall oversight of finances and shelter management.