tre Staff

Sandy Berven served as a Youth Director in a church for 16 years, where she developed a passion for supporting and guiding young people in their spiritual, personal and professional growth. Over time, they focused more on post-high school individuals, seeing the unique challenges and opportunities this age faces. Sandy’s dedication in helping young people discover their purpose and identity in Christ laid a strong foundation for her next step in ministry.

In response to a growing need for deeper community among young adults, Sandy started a nonprofit ministry specifically designed for those ages 18-30 called tre Ministries. With a mission centered on creating a sense of belonging, purpose, and hope, the ministry serves as a faith-based resource for young adults navigating life’s transitions. Through tre Ministries, Sandy fosters a supportive and Christ-centered environment where young adults can grow in faith, find community, and explore their calling within the larger body of Christ.

Wha’s something you love to do? spend time with family and friends and watch the sunrise. 

Favorite Bible verse: Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 

If you could tell your 22-year old self something, what would it be? To trust deeply and have faith because God’s plan is more incredible than I could ever imagine—and it’s all designed to glorify Him.

Doug Berven joined POET (currently the largest biofuel producer in the world) in March 2003, and has served the organization in several key roles since then. In his current role as Vice President of Corporate Affairs, he promotes the corporate objectives of POET, the importance of agriculture, and the benefits of biofuels domestically and internationally. He currently serves as the Ethanol A Team Lead for the U.S. Grains Council. He also sits in the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers in Action Executive Committee and Board, the Fuels Institute Advisory Board, the PIVOT Board, and tre Ministries Board. He is the Executive Director of the South Dakota Ethanol Producers Association, a Senior Advisor to Solutions from the Land, and serves on several other industry associated work groups, committees and associations. He has been on nearly a dozen trade missions with USGC and USDA all around the world. 

Prior to joining POET, he held various roles in banking, real estate development and medical consulting. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D., where he currently resides with his wife of 27 years, Sandy Berven. Their children, Chase and Brynn, are both in the workforce in Sioux Falls, and he is blessed to spend time with both of them on a regular basis.

What’s something you love to do? Lake activities, golf, travel, and spending time with family

Favorite Bible verse: John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

If you could tell your 22-year old self something, what would it be? God truly delivers. Lean on him in good times and bad.  Make others feel important, then you will always be important to them.

Mary J. Schultz is the secretary and is an original member of tre Ministries board of directors. Even before tre had a name or a location she was in on the vision that God had placed in the heart of Sandy Berven. tre Ministries offers a place where young adults can find the belonging, purpose and hope that is grounded on God’s promises.

Mary is a retired RN, a wife and a mother. She is currently attending seminary at Luther House of Study. 

What’s something you love to do? Spend time with family, travel, long walks, reading and scrapbooking. 

Favorite Bible verse: Isaiah 43:1b-3a

Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God,  the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

If you could tell your 22-year old self something, what would it be? I think if I told my 22 year old self something it would spoil the surprise of learning it. God has taken me and loves me and answers prayers on a different level because he has shown that to me through experience.

Technology Chair, tre Ministries

Ross Wickman is a passionate technologist with a love for efficiency and innovation in organizational operations. He is a Computer Science graduate from the University of South Dakota and has served over 20 years in the Air National Guard. After discovering the mission of tre Ministries, he eagerly volunteered his time and expertise to help the organization thrive. His dedication and contributions quickly led to an invitation to join the board, where he continues to play an instrumental role in advancing the organization’s goals.

Outside of his professional life, Ross is a devoted husband and father of three. He enjoys camping and outdoor activities with his family, finding peace and inspiration in nature. His favorite Bible verse, Joshua 1:9, reminds him to be bold and trust in God’s guidance. Reflecting on his journey, he advises his younger self that while work may get easier with age, life presents its own challenges—so it’s essential to focus on what truly matters.

What’s something you love to do? Watching my kids enjoy the things they're passionate about

Favorite Bible verse: 2 Timothy 1:7 For the Lord has not given me the spirit of fear but of power, love and self control.

If you could tell your 22-year old self something, what would it be? Step out of your comfort zone on occasion. There are plenty of ways to explore something new without giving up everything you know....take a few chances and trust that God's plan will work out for you.

Becky Blue is a life long South Dakotan, a mother of four adult children, married to Dan for 43 years and passionate about her faith and community. Her career as a nurse put her in a variety of settings including geriatrics and prior to her retirement—faith community nursing. Becky is now a writer who published her most recent book in 2022, “Turning: The Magic and Mystery of More Days.” It is a nonfiction book that looks at the opportunities one’s third act of life can bring. Becky has served on the tre Board since its inception. Her other nonprofit work has included leading the Brandon Tennis Association for 16 years. She was recently inducted into the South Dakota Tennis Hall of Fame. An active member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Becky believes a life lived in the promises of Jesus is the life that brings true freedom and abundance. She resonates with Tre’s mission of belonging, purpose, hope and knows that keeping those three keys in play will be transformative for the young adults of Sioux Falls.

What is something you love to do? Becky loves to do ballet. She started taking lessons after 40 years of being away from a dance studio. It brings her joy, energy, strength, balance, and friendships.

Favorite Bible Verse: Romans 8:38-39

If you could tell your 22-year old self something, what would it be? I would tell my 20 year old self to live large, make new friends, take risks because God has got you!

Tim Hughes has been an educator since 2006 in the Garretson School District, where he has taught courses in English, U.S. History, Film, and Mass Communications. He has also served as Head Football Coach of the Garretson Blue Dragons for 15 seasons and assisted with the track program for six seasons. Prior to teaching, he held positions in the media field as a Producer/Host on KSFS Sports Radio and wrote for Tempest Magazine. I also worked in logistics with Airborne Express/DHL and the retail sector with Target Corp. Prior to becoming a board member at tre Ministries, he served on boards with Friendship Baptist Church, the South Dakota Miners Football Organization and the Garretson Football Foundation.

He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota and my Master of Education degree (M.Ed.) from the University of Sioux Falls. He currently resides in Sioux Falls with his wife, Tracey, and they are parents to three children (Morgan, Payton and Carson).

What’s something you love to do? Watching my kid’s take part in the things they love to do. 

Favorite Bible verse: 2 Timothy 1:7 For the Lord has not given me the spirit of fear but of power, love and self control.

If you could tell your 22-year old self something, what would it be? Life moves fast! Don’t just do things, create memories from the things you choose to do.