Nelson declines offer to lead Lost&Found

Sioux Falls, SD — Oct. 2, 2024 — Rep. Kameron Nelson and Lost&Found announced a mutual decision for Nelson to pursue other employment opportunities instead of accepting the role of Executive Director/CEO at Lost&Found, a leading organization dedicated to suicide prevention and support for suicide loss survivors.

The decision comes after Nelson, who is currently serving as a legislator for the state of South Dakota, and Lost&Found conducted a thorough review of Article 12, Section 3 of the South Dakota State Constitution, which governs potential conflicts of interest for legislators. Lost&Found has previously entered into a contract with the South Dakota Department of Health to provide suicide prevention support statewide. This contract was authorized and funded by a special appropriation during Nelson’s term as a legislator, creating a potential conflict of interest under state law.

“While I am deeply committed to the mission of Lost&Found and its critical work in suicide prevention, it is my responsibility to uphold the public’s trust and ensure full transparency in my role as a legislator,” Nelson said. “To avoid any potential conflict and to maintain both the legal standing of Lost&Found as a nonprofit organization and my role as a public servant, I have made a mutual decision with Lost&Found to decline their offer of employment. I am confident that Lost&Found will thrive under the leadership of its talented team, and I look forward to seeing the continued positive impact of their services across South Dakota.”

Lost&Found will continue its important work in collaboration with the South Dakota Department of Health, and Nelson remains supportive of the organization’s efforts to address mental health challenges in the region as a volunteer for the Together, We Do More! campaign. Erik Muckey will continue his service as the Executive Director of Lost&Found for the immediate future.

“We are grateful to Kameron for his continued commitment to our mission as a volunteer. Lost&Found will continue to play a critical role in preventing suicide in South Dakota, and we are grateful for Erik Muckey’s continued leadership of our organization in meeting its mission,” says Brad Hearst, Chair of the Board of Directors.

This decision reflects Nelson’s commitment to transparency, public trust, and ethical governance, as well as Lost&Found’s commitment to its stakeholders, staff, and mission.

 

For media inquiries, please contact:

Erik Muckey, CEO
emuckey@resilienttoday.org
605.215.0421

 

About Lost&Found

Lost&Found is a nonprofit organization delivering comprehensive, data-driven, and resilience-focused suicide prevention and postvention programs and services for youth and young adults (10-34) and their support networks.