Our Team Members
MaxStrat is a people-focused team comprised of leaders from multiple backgrounds, each of whom offers a unique perspective and skill set. We’re nimble, we’re adaptive, and we invest ourselves fully in our client’s journey. Whether your organization needs long-term executive leadership, short-term strategic guidance, or project-specific leadership, the MaxStrat Team is here to help you dream big and take action on what matters most.
Chris Maxwell
is the Founder and CEO of Maxwell Strategies. Chris graduated from Mount Marty University with a BA in Business Management and from the University of South Dakota with his MBA. As a business consultant, founder, and entrepreneur, Chris has spent more than 20 years helping organizations large and small get started, transform, and move on to their next big thing.
Laurie Gill
is Key Client Executive for MaxStrat, helping direct the team to meet the needs of our clients. Laurie brings a background in politics (she served as city commissioner for Pierre for nine years and was elected as Mayor three times), government (she served as a Cabinet Member for two governors), the private sector (she was a clinic administrator), and a volunteer on numerous community boards (she has been on too many to mention here). Laurie is a graduate of SDSU with a Commercial Economics degree.
Yvonne Taylor
understands the unique needs of membership organizations, having served as the Executive Director of the SD Municipal League for more than 25 years. Yvonne graduated from the University of South Dakota with a Master of Public Administration degree. She has worked with various boards and commissions, both state and national, served in the administration for two governors, and has worked as a lobbyist in Pierre for almost forever.
Mary Duvall
brings an understanding of communications and policy research to MaxStrat. She grew up on a cattle ranch in western South Dakota and graduated from SDSU with a degree in Agricultural Business. She served in the state legislature for ten years, and has worked on research, policy, and communications issues for the state’s agricultural industry. Mary volunteers at the YMCA as a certified fitness instructor, and serves on a number of state and local boards.
Judy Weisgram
is the one who helps MaxStrat and our clients make sure all things financial are being completed in a timely manner. Judy served as Senior Vice President for American State Bank and as Chief Operations Officer for American Bank & Trust until she retired from banking after a career spanning more than 35 years. Judy likes to spend time with her husband, two daughters and their families, which include six grandchildren, and keeps busy serving on various local boards and committees.
Desiree Bonhorst
is the rock star who makes sure the office runs smoothly at MaxStrat. Originally from Prior Lake, MN, a suburb of Minneapolis, Desiree has an extensive background in Health Care Administration and Early Childhood Education. She brings professionalism, creativity, and an outgoing personality to the MaxStrat team, and helps improve functionality, organization, and processes for the businesses we serve.
