It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that Kim Krueger has been at the forefront of one of the largest facelifts in the Huron area.
For the past 22 years, the 47-year-old Krueger has served as the executive director of the Beadle County Humane Society, located south of Huron on Highway 37.
“The Humane Society is charged with providing a safe haven for the homeless animals — mostly cats and dogs — in Huron and the area,” Krueger said.
The BCHS provides animal control services on a call-by-call basis for the area as well, and is the first call for local authorities when there are abandoned animals.
As the executive director, Krueger manages a staff of two full-time and three part-time employees, as well as a small army of volunteers.

“I also work with a board of directors that meets monthly, write grants for funding and handle the marketing for the Humane Society,” Krueger said. “I work with the staff to ensure the proper care of our animals.”
Krueger is the face of the Humane Society in Huron and has made numerous appearances on its behalf, including regular reports to the Huron City Commission.
As a leader herself in the community, Krueger is a big believer in community networking and points to Rhonda Kludt as one of her role models.
“Rhonda is one person who I can always depend on to be able to help me,” she said. “When I have a question on something, I trust that Rhonda will have an answer or a suggestion on how to proceed. I go to her alot.”
“There are many other people who have influenced me,” Krueger said, “and not just from a leadership standpoint and not solely women. To me, things operate so well when everyone just works together.”
Krueger points at the continued growth of women in positions of leadership as  encouraging for the next generation of young women entering the workforce.
“When you have success it grows and grows,” she said.

CURT NETTINGA/PLAINSMAN
Kim Krueger, executive director of the Beadle County Humane Society, holds one of the cats currently at the shelter waiting to find a new home.