Board Members
Get to Know the Faces behind South Dakota Dinosaur Park
Coming together from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, our skilled team of professionals is the backbone of South Dakota Dinosaur Park. Their ideas help shape the direction and mission of our organization. Read on to learn more about some of our incredible team members.
Nancy Nelson
President
Since 1979, Nancy Nelson and her husband have been residing and working in Chamberlain, where they raised their two children. Nancy, retired school nurse of 40 years, has always cherished her love for Chamberlain. The idea of creating a free outdoor dinosaur park was partly inspired by the discovery of a mosasaur's skeletal remains in Chamberlain in 1982, as well as the widespread fascination with dinosaurs among both children and adults. Our committee aims to establish a free educational adventure park that can be enjoyed by everyone in this small community and the state.
In Loving Memory of
Kim Tyrell
Vice President
Kim Tyrell has been a resident of Chamberlain for most of her adult life, where and her husband have five children. She is an active member of several local volunteer organizations that help sustain the community. Kim is enthusiastic about the South Dakota Dinosaur Park, which will provide unique educational opportunities for children and a green space for family and community gatherings. She is excited to be a part of this adventure, as the park will serve as a multi-purpose destination for both travelers and community members
Doug Nelson
Treasurer
For 31 years, Doug Nelson was the owner and operator of a convenience store in Chamberlain. He served as a Chamberlain city commissioner for six years and then the mayor for nineteen years. Currently, he is a member of the city zoning board and serves on the dinosaur park committee as a board member. The dinosaur park is expected to attract visitors to the community and provide a park area for the locals to gather.
Daniel Stevens
Board Member
Daniel Stevens, a middle school science teacher and anthropologist, is passionate about educating people on the pre and geological history of South Dakota. He sees the Dinosaur Park as an ideal place to achieve this goal through a visual and hands-on display of the state's geologic time scale. By visiting the park, visitors can gain a better understanding of Paleo environment of the area and develop a deeper appreciation for South Dakota's rich prehuman past.
Samantha Kiesow
Board Member
Samantha Kiesow, a registered nurse at a local home health agency, currently resides in Sioux Falls with her husband and two children. Despite living away from her hometown of Chamberlain, she frequently visits and was invited to join the board. Samantha is passionate about the creation of a park that educates visitors on the rich prehistoric history of the Dakota Territory and has even dressed up as a dinosaur to promote the cause at community events.
Chelsey Tyrell
Board Member
Chelsey Tyrell is a resident of Chamberlain, where she lives with her husband and three children. has a deep affection for her hometown, which is situated on the Missouri River, and has always found it to be a beautiful and charming small town. After completing her Masters Degree from SDSU she started working as a school counselor and is currently employed at the middle and high school in Chamberlain. Chelsey takes pride in seeing her community flourish and become a desirable place for families to visit and settle down. She believes that the dinosaur park can contribute to the growth and prosperity of their beloved hometown.
