Kristi Wagner oversees and supports community capacity-building programs for Dakota Resources, with a primary focus in recent years on fundraising and strategic partner relations. Over the past years, she has played a key role in assisting with the development and growth of the Community Investment Fund, contributing to more than $20 million raised through investor and partner engagement. While her community coaching efforts continue, her work now reflects an emphasis on fundraising and relationship-building to support rural communities.

Kristi is a trained facilitator with decades of experience in organizational development, leadership training, fundraising, and strategic planning, and has delivered Dakota Resources programs for over 20 years. She is also the owner and CEO of the Rushmore Center for Civic Leadership, where she works with nonprofits, communities, and institutions to strengthen leadership, build effective teams, and guide collaborative planning and capital campaigns.

Her professional background includes roles in economic development, leadership training, fundraising, sales, marketing, and public relations. Kristi has served on numerous boards, including the South Dakota Tourism Board, South Dakota Junior Achievement, the Chiesman Endowment for Civic Education at the University of South Dakota, and advisory boards for higher education and community organizations across the state.