2021 MISS SOUTH DAKOTA JUDGES Christopher Tooley
From a state where most bleed Husker red, Chris Tooley unapologetically claims pageantry as his favorite “sport”. Born and raised in Nebraska, Chris has been involved in the Miss America system for nearly two decades. He has worked alongside candidates who participate in the Miss Nebraska Scholarship Program; assisting from interview to stage runway presence and wardrobe. Chris is the former Executive Director of the Miss Nebraska Organization. He has also been involved with the Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen program since its inception, helping start the program and most recently, assisting in the production of the state competition. He comes to South Dakota with experience judging several local and state competitions, most recently crowning Miss Washington’s Outstanding Teen, Payton May who went on to win the title of Miss America’s Outstanding Teen! Chris’ studies include his undergraduate in management of human resource and he recently completed his MBA program. Chris utilize this background, his knowledge and skill as a Human Resources Business Partner with one of Omaha’s largest Health Systems. Chris lives in Omaha with his rescued fur baby, Lucy, where he enjoys cheering on the Husker Volleyball team as well as traveling across the US, including the South Dakota Black Hills, which hold a special place in his heart.
Ann McKay Thompson
Ann McKay Thompson is a former Miss South Dakota and received one of the Grand Talent Awards at Miss America. Since then, she has become a nationally recognized innovative leader having founded the South Dakota Discovery Center, Capital University Center, (the concept for adult learning) and the Oscher Life Long Learning Institute in South Dakota. She was one of the first women to serve in the Cabinet of a SD Governor, first in Education and Cultural Affairs, then Department of Labor. She was chosen as a Bush Leadership Fellow with studies at MIT and went on to publish with Simon and Schuster, NY. The National Press Women chose her as their National Woman of Achievement the same year her coauthored book on women became a national award winner. Other recognitions include being named One of ten Outstanding Young Women of America, a Presidential appointment to the Kennedy Center for the Arts in Washington DC, and her induction into the South Dakota Hall of Fame. As President of the SD Commission on the Status of Women, she coordinated the successful passage of the Equal Rights Amendment and has always advocated an even playing field for women. Ann has served on over 37 boards or commissions. She now serves on the Board of the Hall of Fame and the Foundation for Monument healthcare in Rapid City.
Sally Christenson
Sally resides in Pierre, SD. She and her late husband, Bernie, also owned a home in Fountain Hills, AZ, where they spent their winters for 20 years. Her passion has been in the field of education. She received a degree as an educator from Northern State University and taught school in Aberdeen, Jamestown, ND, Watertown, and Pierre. She initiated the first Head Start program in her hometown. During her teaching years she was active in educational committees and various commissions. Sally has been active in her church and led Bible Study groups, belongs to AB PEO chapter, holding offices including the office of President. She has chaired various fund raising events. Sally was appointed by Governor Rounds to serve on the Judicial Qualification Commission and served as Chair. She was appointed to the Career Service Commission by Governor Janklow. Sally serves on the Commission on Equal Access to our Courts. She has been a member of the state Junior Achievement Board and helped initiate the local Junior Achievement program in Pierre. She serves on the Fairy Godmother Board, a branch of the SD Community Foundation. She’s an avid reader, plays golf and is an exercise enthusiast. Her children and grandchildren remain the loves of her life.
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