South Dakota State University alum Sue Salter ’89 finds immeasurable joy in giving back to the community, so much so that it’s become her life’s work.
She has been employed in the public and nonprofit sectors for decades and is now president and CEO of Make-A-Wish South Dakota & Montana. The organization works together with medical professionals, volunteers and donors to fulfill the wishes of children battling critical illnesses.
Salter’s journey has also included previous stops that make it clear she thrives when serving others.
Feels like home
After graduating from Washington High School in Sioux Falls, Salter came to SDSU, saying it felt like the natural next step for her.
“I always knew it was a great school. … I had a lot of great opportunities to get involved on campus,” Salter said. “When I step foot on campus now, I feel like I’m back home.”
As an undergrad, she served in student government as a senator, worked as a resident assistant for student housing and as a student ambassador, and played club tennis. She double-majored in political science and broadcast journalism.
With the help of professor Jim Paulson in the journalism department, Salter landed a summer internship with KELO-TV in Sioux Falls. She stayed on during her senior year as a weekend reporter. After graduating with her Bachelor of Science, Salter’s adviser, Bob Burns ’64, distinguished professor emeritus of political science, encouraged her to continue her education in graduate school. She went on to earn a master’s degree in public administration.
Working in nonprofit
In her first professional role as a city administrator in Janesville, Minnesota, Salter contributed to building a municipal golf course and oversaw critical road and infrastructure improvements. She has since served as executive director of the Robstown (Texas) Area Development Commission and as CEO of the Sioux Empire Fair Association in Sioux Falls. Salter was later appointed by Gov. Mike Rounds ’77 as a South Dakota State Fair commissioner, serving for 10 years.
Salter also worked in key capital campaign fundraising roles in Sioux Falls. As the executive director for the Ice Sports Association, she helped raise money to build and operate the SCHEELS IcePlex. Salter also worked on a Sanford Health Foundation team raising funds to build Ava’s House, a multigenerational hospice facility in Sioux Falls.
“I am drawn to opportunities that allow me to be part of something positive in the communities where I’m living,” Salter said. “To me, it’s very satisfying to be close to the mission I’m trying to advance.”
Make-A-Wish Foundation
Six years ago, Salter began her current position as president and CEO of Make-A-Wish South Dakota, which expanded to include the state of Montana in 2020.
“Getting to serve this beautiful mission is a dream come true,” Salter said. “I feel so fortunate to work alongside our dedicated board and staff to bring hope to kids and families who have been through so much yet show strength and resiliency through it all,” Salter said.
During Salter’s tenure, the local chapter has granted 489 wishes to kids between the ages of 2 ½ and 18 with critical illnesses. They have wished to meet celebrities and sports figures, travel to a beach or amusement park, receive a room makeover, and even be an Air Force pilot.
Salter doesn’t have a favorite wish — she says they are all unique and special — but she does recall a particularly impactful one. Seven-year-old Koen wanted to teach kids about farming by transforming his pediatric specialty clinic’s waiting area into a curated learning center complete with interactive games and information.
“It was such a selfless wish — to help other kids take their minds off medical procedures by giving them something fun and interesting to focus on while they waited. That’s all he wanted to do,” Salter said. “Koen helped design the interactive displays and waiting area décor, and he even designed an activity book for young patients filled with jokes, fun facts about farming, coloring sheets and games.”
Salter said Koen’s wish was even more special because of the supporters who stepped up to make it a reality. One of those supporters was the Ty Eschenbaum Foundation. Tyler Eschenbaum ’11, an SDSU alum, received a wish when he was a high school student battling cancer.
Leaving a positive impact
Salter is grateful for all the opportunities she’s had to make a positive difference in the lives of the people around her and enjoys seeing the kindness of others shine through when they contribute to a unified goal.
“I’ve been really fortunate throughout my career to work alongside kind and caring individuals doing good things for their communities,” Salter said.
Sue and her husband, Mark Salter ’90, have three daughters and a son ranging between the ages of 16 and 27, a son-in-law, a 4-year-old grandson and an English cocker named Gracie.
She and her husband enjoy spending time with family and friends and attending their children’s events and extracurricular activities. Salter also likes to play golf with her family and friends, watch athletic events and especially cheer on the Jackrabbits.
Rylin Yerdon
