Ben Nesselhuf, Chair
Ben was born in Rapid City, SD to Ed and Diane Nesselhuf. Ed is a Lutheran minister and Diane is a high school educator. In 1987, Ben moved with his family to rural Vermillion. Growing up in the country, Ben learned the value of hard work and a love of the land. He graduated from both Vermillion High School and the University of South Dakota. In 2000 Ben was elected to the South Dakota House of Representatives representing district 17. At that time he was the youngest representative ever elected to the legislature. During his 2 terms in the house, Ben gained a reputation for being a advocate for open government and campaign finance reform. In 2004, Ben was elected to the State Senate. After being elected to his 2nd term, Ben was elected by his fellow senators to be the Caucus Chairman of the Senate Democrat Caucus. Today, Ben is excited to move the South Dakota Democrats forward as Chair of the South Dakota Democratic Party.
Email at chair@sddp.org
Deb Knecht, Vice Chair
Deb and her husband Randy live in Houghton, South Dakota. They have been on the family farm for almost 40 years. Randy and Deb have three grown sons, five grandchildren and another grandchild on the way. Deb served on the Brown County Commission for twelve years. She has worked on several campaigns and was Stephanie Herseth Sandlin’s Regional Director in 2006. Deb was the Brown County Chair for many years and also served as Vice-Chair of the SDDP for a short time before she worked for the state party as a Field Director/Fundraiser in 2008. Deb is currently the vice-chair of the Brown County Democrats.
Email at vicechair@sddp.org
Bill Nibbelink, Treasurer
Bill Nibbelink has served as Treasurer of the SDDP for several years. He and his wife, Angie, live in Flandreau. Nibbelink is a property management consultant specializing in assisting Native American tribes provide decent and affordable housing to their members. He serves on the Boards of several organizations including the Flandreau Development Corp., Interlakes Community Action Partnership, and Dakota Rural Action. Nibbelink has been active in the Moody County Democrats for over 30 years and is currently serving as the Treasurer.
Email at treasurer@sddp.org
Julie Bartling, Secretary
Julie is a lifelong resident of South Dakota, born and raised near the Burke, South Dakota area. Julie married Bart Bartling and they have been successful in owning an agricultural based business near the Burke area, as well as farming near the home that they have made east of Burke, SD. Julie also serves as the Executive Director for the South Dakota Farmers Union Foundation, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Federal Agriculture Mortgage Corporation as presidential appointee. Julie first ran for public office in 1982 and was elected to the office of Gregory County Auditor – a position that she held for 18 years prior to running for the state legislature in 2000.
Email at secretary@sddp.org
