Committee Leadership

Jory Kunzman: Chair

2025

Erin Ronayne Rudner : Vice Chair

2025

Vickie Haiar: Secretary

Hometown: Lake Preston, South Dakota until 1973; Mitchell, South Dakota, 1973-1978; Aberdeen, South Dakota since 1978

Family: Husband, Dale, 1 daughter and 2 sons, and 7 grandchildren.

Why do you enjoy living in SD? After college graduation, we wanted to continue to be close to family so I stayed in South Dakota, but have continued to live here because it is a safe place to live and raise a family.  We also love to fish, camp, and hunt and South Dakota provides a variety of outdoor activities.

Why are you a Democrat? I believe that all people are created equal, that all votes matter and everyone should have access to the voting booth, that healthcare is a right and not a privilege, and that women are smart and are able to make their own decisions on healthcare without the interference of our government. I also believe in sensible gun control and the separation of Church and State. The policies of the Democratic party align with my beliefs.

Pauline Bruce: Treasurer

2025

Deena Ronayne: Committee Person

Hometown: Aberdeen, SD

Family: My husband Rob and our cat, Fredo the Godkitty

Why do you enjoy living in SD? South Dakota is a place where I am able to achieve my goals, learn new things, and make great friends!

Why are you a Democrat? “I ask for nothing, I can get by…but I know so many less lucky than I.” -Esmeralda, Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame

Gary Job: Committee Person

Hometown:  Aberdeen

Family: My family consists of my wife, Kathy, daughter, Jean, and grandson, Alexzander

Why do you enjoy living in SD?  It's too late to move anywhere else now.  It's also a good place to have been raised.

Why are you a Democrat? I became a Democrat at age 18 and have become more involved ever since.  I'm a veteran, a past McGovern winner, elector for S.D., and past delegate to the 2000 convention.  I've been involved with organized labor for 36 years and a past lobbyist during the 80's and early 90's.  I'm also a Mason and Shriner.