Kameron Nelson will be Lost&Found’s new CEO

SIOUX FALLS, SD — Kameron Nelson, a leader in the region’s philanthropic community, has been named the new Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lost&Found.

Nelson most recently served as Director of Major Gifts at LifeScape Foundation for five years and previously worked in philanthropy roles at Black Hills Works Foundation. Kameron was elected in 2022 to the South Dakota House of Representatives, where he is the Minority Whip and a member of several committees. Raised in Rapid City and a former resident of Minneapolis who now lives in Sioux Falls, Nelson is poised to build connections across South Dakota, Minnesota, and the region as Lost&Found continues in its efforts to “do more” to prevent suicide through its Together We Do More! fundraising campaign.

“I believe that hiring Kameron as our new CEO for Lost&Found is a critical decision that will shape the future of our mission and our impact on the communities we serve,” said Brad Hearst, Lost&Found’s Board President. “Kameron is a leader who not only possesses the necessary skills and experience, but also shares our passion for making a positive difference in the lives of those we support. Kameron embodies our values, will inspire our team, and will continue to drive the innovation and growth that Lost&Found has become known for. Together, Kameron, our team, and our board members will continue to empower communities, create lasting change, and fulfill our mission with unwavering dedication.”

Nelson said he believes in the work of Lost&Found, the region’s largest nonprofit focusing on comprehensive suicide prevention and postvention programs for youth and young adults (10-34) and their support networks.

“It is a great honor to join the amazing team at Lost&Found as we endeavor to end suicide in our region and provide communities with mental health resources,” Nelson said. “As suicide remains the leading cause of death for South Dakotans under the age of 29, we simply must do more. I am deeply passionate about the mission of this organization and the people it has committed to serve. We remain steadfast in our aim to connect people across cultures to save lives.”

Nelson will officially take on the role of Executive Director/CEO on October 1. He will begin his onboarding process with Lost&Found in September, when his time in the organization will overlap with the term of departing leader Erik Muckey.

Muckey, one of the co-founders of Lost&Found who has served as its Executive Director/CEO since 2018, is stepping down to pursue other personal and professional opportunities. He will transition to an advisory role in October.

Hearst recognizes the legacy that Muckey leaves behind in the organization but also sees a powerful opportunity in the transition.

“As the Chairman of the Board, filling the shoes of one of our founding members and long-term CEO is no small task,” Hearst said. “Erik Muckey shaped this organization into what it is today and has been the main driver in cultivating some of our deepest community relationships. While I am saddened by his departure, I am excited for what the future holds for Erik and couldn’t be more confident knowing we have Kameron Nelson at the helm.”

Muckey is also supportive of this next phase of leadership for Lost&Found.

“Kameron is the right leader at the right time for Lost&Found and will continue our legacy of ‘doing more’ to prevent suicide,” Muckey said. “Thank you to our staff, board, and supporters for their commitment to our mission for the past 14 years and for renewing their commitment to Lost&Found with Kameron as he begins his leadership journey.”

 

About Lost&Found

Lost&Found is a South Dakota-based 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that aims to do more to eliminate suicide among young adults in the United States. We train advocates, provide evaluation and research services, and connect fragmented mental health systems with relevant, evidence-based information and tools. Much of our current work is on college and tech school campuses in South Dakota and Minnesota. A new initiative is the Workplace Resilience Index, an assessment tool for businesses. Learn more about Lost&Found’s work at resilienttoday.org.

For more information, contact Heidi Marttila-Losure, Director of Communications:
heidi@resilienttoday.org or 605-290-3335.