2020-2021 State Officer Team

The South Dakota FBLA State Officer Program provides tremendous opportunities for students to gain 21st Century employability skills. These skills include critical thinking, goal setting, organizational skills, public speaking, and many more. In short, it is a unique and valuable experience that we are excited to share with your students.

The 2020-2021 State Officer Team poses outside the Capitol on February 3, 2021, during Legislative Shadow Day. From left to right, Alexis Haiar, Megan Nash, Mitchell VanderWal, Morgan Ludens, Emma Roth, Conlan Rendell, Mark Hague, and Austyn Burggraff.

Emma Roth - State President

My name is Emma Roth. I am a senior at O’Gorman Highschool in Sioux Falls. I am involved in bowling, track, cheer, HOSA, and of course FBLA. One of my favorite hobbies is running/working out, hunting and fishing, and having a good time with my friends. I love going to school activities and show school spirit to the fullest. Fun fact: I have never missed an in town/home football game. I started FBLA my junior year and immediately fell in love with it. I don’t have a set plan for after graduation but I am looking at USD for Radiation Oncology or SDSU for food science with a minor in Agriculture and Nutrition.

North Region Vice President - Mitchell VanderWal

Hi, my name is Mitchell VanderWal and I am a senior at Northwestern Area high school. While serving as your 2020-2021 North Vice President, I will strive to keep younger members involved and keep communication bonds strong within our officer team. As your North Region Vice President, it is up to me to keep regions informed about FBLA news through communication and social media. No matter if I am sitting in band class, sorting cattle on my family farm, or watching game film for my high school football team, I am always looking at how to improve my activities to their maximum potential in the future! I hope all FBLA members enjoy this year in South Dakota FBLA!

South Region Vice President - Alexis Haiar

Hello, my name is Alexis Haiar, and I will be serving as South Dakota's FBLA South Vice President. I attend Mitchell High School, and am currently president of my school's FBLA chapter. This is my third year in FBLA, and I am looking forward to an awesome junior year. I also run cross country, and will be playing the sousaphone in my school's marching band. I am exited to work with our amazing team of state officers, and will do my best to serve FBLA during this interesting year.

Secretary - Megan Nash

Hi everyone! I’m Megan Nash, the 2020-2021 state FBLA secretary. I am a junior at Northwestern High School in Mellette, SD. Along with my involvement in FBLA, I am in FFA, FCA, band, basketball, and robotics. I live on a farm with my parents and younger brother. We have cattle, chickens, a horse, and lots of kitties!

As secretary, my primary role is to maintain effective organization and communication by preparing minutes from meetings, handling correspondence, and working within the officer team to maintain these ideals. The minutes from our meetings will contain important information and updates, so be sure to check for those on the website. I eagerly anticipate this upcoming year and look forward to meeting you!

Treasurer - Conlan Rendell

I am a very social and active person. I like to stay involved in my community. In addition to being part of FBLA, I also volunteer as a prosecutor for Teen Court. I am a student senate representative for the fourth year at TF Riggs High School. I also enjoy volunteering for the United Way and Feeding South Dakota. I like to stay active by participating on the tennis team, hiking, rock climbing and sailing. I am always on the go. I work at Walmart on the weekends and during the summer. If I have any down time I like to read, travel, and spend time with my family.

Reporter - Morgan Ludens

Hello, I am Morgan Ludens and from Tri-Valley High School. My goals for FBLA are to try and get chapters better connected through the monthly newsletter.

I have three younger brothers and spent all of my summers in Rapid City. I live with my dad and the oldest of my three siblings in an old gas station. “My favorite part of FBLA is how well everyone gets along at state and FLC.”

Historian - Austyn Burggraff

My name is Austyn Burggraff. I attend Tri-Valley High School in Colton, South Dakota. I have four sisters and two brothers. I am involved in many activities including: Student Council, National Honor Society, Marching and Concert band, Sideline Cheer, and of course FBLA. I joined FBLA during my freshman year and have been in the organization ever since. FBLA has helped me to become a better student and a more well-rounded person. I have met so many wonderful people in this organization and I hope to meet even more in the upcoming year.

Parliamentarian - Mark Hague

My name is Mark Hague. I attend Highmore-Harrold High school and am a part of the local FBLA chapter. I also participate in FFA and FCCLA. I also golf. My favorite thing to do in my free time is to play video game, but most of my time is taken up by helping my dad on the farm.

As the state parliamentarian, my job is to make sure the meetings that the state officers run go smoothly and correctly. If an issue arises in a meeting I am there to fix it.

Run for State Office!

State Officers are elected during the State Leadership Conference in April each year. To find out more read the State Officer Candidate Handbook here.