Shannon Van Buskirk
I have cultivated a remarkable career defined by versatility, dedication, and a deep commitment to community impact. With a 12-year tenure in pharmaceutical sales and a celebrated career in broadcast journalism spanning multiple states, I have consistently demonstrated an unwavering work ethic and a talent for building meaningful connections.
These experiences laid the groundwork for my role as a philanthropic advisor with the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation. I worked closely with donors to develop personalized giving strategies that align with their values and goals. I leveraged my background in sales, media, and non-profit work to create innovative solutions that amplify the impact of charitable contributions. My expertise in communication, storytelling, and relationship-building ensured that community initiatives in education, healthcare, arts and culture, and social services are effectively supported.
My commitment to community service extends beyond my professional endeavors. I started with Levitt at the Falls, a beloved local music organization, at the beginning, and stayed with the organization for 9 years. I was also asked to serve on the board of the nonprofit Bread Break, demonstrating my dedication to enhancing the cultural and social landscape of Sioux Falls. My work is guided by a belief in the power of collaboration, resource sharing, and strategic philanthropy to create lasting, positive change.
With an MBA in Health Care Administration from the University of Sioux Falls and a BA in Mass Communication/Broadcast Journalism from Augsburg University, Shannon combines business acumen with a keen understanding of media and public engagement. Her professional recognition includes honors such as Pfizer’s Vice President’s Cabinet Award and District Sales Representative of the Year, reflecting her consistent excellence and leadership across industries.
Outside of her professional work, Shannon leads an active and adventurous lifestyle. She has loved swimming since childhood, enjoys exercising and Pilates, and spends quality time with her two dogs. She is also passionate about music, attending concerts whenever possible, and loves surfing and skiing, making the most of every opportunity to stay engaged with her hobbies and the outdoors.
• Certified Medical Representative (CMR)
• Augsburg University - BA
• St. Thomas University - BA
• University of Sioux Falls - MBA
• PEO
• Junior League of Sioux Falls
• Downtown Rotary of Sioux Falls
• Washiington Pavilion
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of persistence, adaptability, and the support of the people around me. I’ve worked hard to stay open to learning, to see challenges as opportunities, and to keep moving forward even when the path wasn’t clear. At the same time, I know I wouldn’t be here without mentors, colleagues, and loved ones who encouraged and guided me. It’s really been a balance of personal effort and collective support.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever been given is to stay curious and never be afraid to reinvent yourself. That advice gave me the confidence to transition from broadcast journalism to pharmaceutical sales and philanthropy—three very different industries, but all requiring the ability to connect with people, communicate clearly, and create a positive impact. Each time I made a transition, I leaned on that advice. Instead of asking, ‘Do I already know everything about this field?’ I asked, ‘What can I learn, and how can I bring my strengths into a new space?’ That mindset has been invaluable to me.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I would give to young women entering this industry is to trust the value you bring, even if your path doesn’t look like everyone else’s. My own career has taken me from broadcast journalism to pharmaceutical sales to philanthropy. On paper, those fields look very different, but the common thread has always been communication, building relationships, and creating impact. Each time I stepped into a new space, there was a learning curve, but what carried me through was confidence in my ability to adapt and a commitment to staying curious. So my advice is: don’t box yourself in. Be open to opportunities, lean on your strengths, and know that your unique journey is an asset, not a limitation.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Across journalism, pharmaceutical sales, and philanthropy, I’ve seen a common theme: the biggest challenge is cutting through noise and complexity to deliver something of real value. In journalism, it was about earning trust in a world flooded with information. In pharmaceuticals, it was ensuring that groundbreaking treatments could actually reach the patients who needed them. In philanthropy, it’s about ensuring that resources create lasting, systemic impact rather than just short-term fixes. The opportunity across all these fields is the same: people are hungry for authenticity, transparency, and impact. Whether it’s telling a story, providing care, or investing in communities, the chance lies in building trust and creating meaningful connections that drive real change.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
For me, the values that matter most are integrity, empathy, and making a difference. No matter where I’ve worked—whether telling stories in journalism, connecting patients with treatments in pharmaceuticals, or supporting communities through philanthropy—these values have guided how I present myself and the kind of impact I strive to make every day.
Locations
Sioux Falls, SD 57103