A native South Dakotan, Kari O’Neill was born and raised on a farm/ranch west of Faulkton. She has been with SDSU Extension for fifteen years. She was one of the founders of the Community Development focus area, and is currently a Community Vitality Field Specialist located in Martin, and working with communities statewide.
Kari has a B.S. degree in Family & Consumer Science and a Masters in Education. She spent ten years as a 4- H/Youth Development educator with the University of MN Extension Service in Pipestone County, where she focused on youth leadership, consumer education, and team building.
A graduate of the South Dakota Ag & Rural Leadership Program, Class 3, O’Neill is passionate about her state, agriculture, and working beside people who want to improve their lives and communities. Her main interest areas are leadership, strategic planning and public issues.