ABOUT KARI

Kari Shanard-Koenders is a lifelong conservative Republican, pharmacist, and community leader with more than four decades of experience protecting the health and safety of South Dakotans. Now, after a long career serving South Dakotans, Kari is running for the South Dakota State Senate in District 12 to bring practical experience, conservative values, and thoughtful leadership to Pierre.

Kari built her career in pharmacy working in retail, hospital, psychiatric, and long-term care settings, gaining firsthand experience serving patients and families across the healthcare system. She later became Executive Director of the South Dakota Board of Pharmacy, where she oversaw the licensing and regulation of thousands of pharmacists, pharmacies, technicians, and wholesalers throughout the state to ensure the safety of patients and the integrity of the profession. 

During her tenure, Kari helped write and implement state pharmacy statutes and rules, worked closely with legislators, and led major initiatives including strengthening South Dakota’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program and coordinating with national organizations on controlled substance policy to help combat prescription drug abuse and protect communities.

Kari’s commitment to public service extends beyond her professional career. She currently serves on multiple community boards, including Southeastern Directions for Life, and has been active in numerous professional and civic organizations dedicated to improving healthcare policy and public safety.

Her passion for public service began at an early age while watching her father, former State Senator George Shanard, serve the people of South Dakota for 18 years. His example inspired Kari to pursue a lifetime of leadership and civic involvement. 

Kari holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Kansas and a Master of Science in Jurisprudence from Seton Hall Law School, which she pursued to deepen her expertise in the complex laws and regulations governing healthcare.