SIOUX FALLS —American Bank & Trust is proud to welcome Joy Nelson to its Board of Directors.
“We are delighted to welcome Joy to the American Bank & Trust Board of Directors,” stated Doug Tribble, President and CEO. “Joy is such a quality person and brings immeasurable passion and a wealth of knowledge in finance and real estate development to our Board. Nelson’s lifelong dedication to the Watertown community and the State of South Dakota is a real gift and we’re honored to have Joy join our Board.”
As an accomplished businesswoman, visionary and devoted philanthropist, Nelson’s “can do” attitude has been instrumental in the growth of the Watertown community and many quality of life initiatives throughout South Dakota.
Nelson has enjoyed over four decades of success in real estate development and finance; however, is most passionate about her love for horses and helping youth and adults.
She does so through Joy Ranch, a $12 million horse camp, village and campground located on the bluffs overlooking Lyle Lake in Watertown. In its infancy, Nelson realized the therapeutic effect horses had on people with special needs, disabilities, post-traumatic stress, and autism. Thus, Joy Ranch was conceptualized and today serves thousands of children and families throughout the year on the 126-acre ranch.
In addition to expanding and growing Joy Ranch, Nelson serves on the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Sanford Medical Center Board of Directors, the Lake Area Technical College Strategic Advisory Council as President and just recently co-chaired their $40 million capital campaign, Harmony Hill Elder Care Village Board of Directors, the Grace Lutheran Church Foundation Board of Directors, serves on the South Dakota Board of Technical Education and is the past president of both Prairie Lakes Hospital Foundation and the Lake Area Technical College Foundation.