Competition Co-Hosts/ Entertainers

from Miss South Dakota 2021

Volunteer of the Year

Mitch Krebs

Mitch Krebs is the Director of Rural Healthcare Program of the Helmsley Charitable Trust which seeks to improve access to, and quality of care for rural residents. To date, Helmsley has granted more than $500 million throughout seven upper Midwestern states including South Dakota. Prior to joining Helmsley, Mitch was principal for Herd Wisdom LLC, a public affairs and advocacy firm he founded. He also served as Assistant Vice President of Media and Community Relations at Avera McKennan Hospital; as Press Secretary for Governor Mike Rounds; and as Public Policy Director at POET.

Mitch had a 15-year career as a broadcast journalist, reporter, lead anchor and news director in network television prior to shifting careers to public service and advocacy, volunteering countless hours in support of special causes, organizations and church groups. His dedication to the Miss America Organization dates back to more than two decades. He’s judged many local competitions as well as Miss South Dakota and Outstanding Teen, and served on the board of the Miss South Dakota Scholarship Foundation. When not working, Mitch enjoys playing saxophone with several area rock bands and spending time at his “hobby ranch” where he lives with his wife, Shantel, who served as Miss South Dakota 1997.

Kristi Bauer Richter

Kristi, Miss South Dakota 1994, resides in Brookings, SD with her husband, Tom, and three children; Matt (23), Talon (17) and Taryn (14). They spend most of their free time following the kids and their activities which range from musicals and plays to baseball, softball and hockey. Kristi owns her own business in Orthopedic Surgical Sales. Exactech is the main line she represents and is grateful to have her ultimate dream job. A 26-year volunteer with the Miss South Dakota Organization, Kristi has served as Local Pageant Director, Choreographer, Entertainer, Judge, Interview Coach and spent nine years as State Executive Director. She now serves on the Brookings Host Committee and is head of Scholarships and Donations. She also volunteers on the Board of Directors for Prairie Repertory Theatre Company. Kristi has a B.S. in Communication Studies and Theatre from South Dakota State University and, as a dancer, takes great pride in having had 14 years of training in Ballet, Pointe, Tap and Jazz. She feels fortunate to have studied under two professional dancers -- a French Prima Ballerina and the other, a lead dancer with the American Ballet. She also volunteers on the Board of Directors for Prairie Repertory Theatre and the Brookings Ice Skating Association.