SDFV Names Carmen Toft as New Director

South Dakota Families for Vaccines has announced Carmen Toft as its new state director. Toft brings more than a decade of experience in public health communications, political strategy, and community engagement to the statewide organization dedicated to protecting South Dakotans through immunization policy.

As state director, Toft will lead efforts to engage legislators, parents, and community members in honest, accessible conversations about vaccination. Her work will focus on strengthening partnerships with health care providers, expanding public awareness campaigns, and amplifying stories from South Dakotans who support immunization as a cornerstone of family and community health.

“I’m honored to join South Dakota Families for Vaccines and continue the important work of advocating for the pro-vaccine majority in our state,” said Toft. “Vaccines save lives, and every South Dakotan deserves the opportunity to make informed choices that keep our families, neighbors, and communities healthy.”

Toft has long been a trusted voice in South Dakota’s public health landscape. She currently serves on the board of directors for Immunize South Dakota, where she helps advance immunization policy, education, and outreach initiatives statewide. Toft’s background spans health advocacy, communications strategy, and coalition leadership, including her previous work with the Community HealthCare Association of the Dakotas (CHAD), the National Council of Urban Indian Health, and other mission-driven nonprofits.