Board of Directors

Senior Manager, Business Systems Analysis, National Guardian Life Insurance Company

Born in Spearfish, SD and went to school in Belle Fourche, SD.

Education – South Dakota State University, BS of Business Economics; University of Wyoming, MBA.

Community Involvement – Active in various organizations in previous years throughout the community. Primary focus currently being on Black Hills Leadership Development Board of Directors.

Leadership Style – Agile Leader with a focus on coaching and development of others.

Favorite Quote – “Don’t Be Afraid to be Amazing!” – Andy Offutt Irwin

Executive Director, Vitalant

Education– Chadron State College, BS in Human Biology; Chadron State College, MS in Organizational Leadership & Development.

Community Involvement– Active in volunteering and advocate of community engagement through work; Active Vice President for ADRP executive board; Active Vice President for BHLD.

Leadership Style– Transformational Leadership; Visionary.

Favorite Quote– “Don’t spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door.”—Coco Chanel.

Executive Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Black Hills

Born in Denver, CO, raised in Central Point, OR. Currently resides in Hill City, SD.

Education– B.S. Social Work – North Central University, Minneapolis, MN

Community Involvement–   Current Board Member with Community Services Connections of the Black Hills, member of the National Leadership Council for Marketing & Communications with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

Leadership Style– Visionary and Coaching Leadership

Favorite Quote– “Make the most of yourself for that is all there is of you.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Public Works Executive Coordinator, City of Rapid City

Born in New Jersey, raised in Chamberlain, moved to Rapid City in 1999.

Education– Women’s Community Leadership Initiative, Leadership Rapid City, Women in Leadership

Community Involvement– Current member of the Board of Directors for Black Hills Community Theater and active Treasurer for Black Hills Leadership Development

Leadership Style– Transformational leader focused on serving others to inspire and motivate them

Favorite Quote– “Life shrinks or expands in proportion to your courage.” Anais Nin

Senior Benefits Specialist, Black Hills Federal Credit Union

Education– B.A. Psychology, University of South Dakota

Community Involvement– Active around community within local charitable events and the Rapid City Area School District.

Leadership Style– Participative Leadership style with a focus on team member empowerment

Favorite Quote– “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” Neale Donald Walsh

Business Intelligence Supervisor, Black Hills Energy

Born and raised in Rapid City, SD

Education– B.A. Psychology, Sociology – Hamline University, St Paul, MN

Community Involvement– Remain active in the community through volunteer opportunities via the Black Hills Energy SD Ambassador Team. Passion organizations include Black Hills Center for Equality, Black Hills Works, and United Way.

Leadership Style– Affiliative leadership with a focus on trust building.

Favorite Quote– “Taking on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse, isn’t it? If you’re comfortable while you’re doing it, you’re probably doing it wrong.” – Ted Lasso

Learning & Development – Program Management and & Delivery Specialist, TruStage