24 people are now equipped with more knowledge, experiences, and insights as the next generation of leaders in the Rapid City community. For 9 sessions they have learned about managing, serving on boards, community development, and more. The Elevate Leadership Institute is more than a networking opportunity or line a resume. It is a program intentionally designed to develop leaders.
The Elevate Leadership Institute Class of 2025 concluded with a graduation ceremony at The Rushmore Hotel & Suites. Joel Hermann, 2023 ELI Class President emceed the evening. Tom Johnson, president and CEO of Elevate Rapid City served as the guest speaker. Applications are now open for the 2026 class. Information can be found here.
2025 Elevate Leadership Graduates
- Danica Allmer, US Congressman Dusty Johnson, South Dakota
- Jessica Bergeleen, Chamberlin Architects
- Bethany Bloom, West River Mental Health
- Stephany Chalberg, Monument Health
- Sarah Crawford, Children’s Home Society
- Shane Crecelius, Scull Construction
- Katrina Donovan, South Dakota Mines
- Danielle Flom, Klein Visioneering Group
- Zach Greager, Pete Lien & Sons, Inc.
- Erick Hoon, GCC Dacotah
- Chris Hunt, Rapid City Policy Department
- Melanie Jackson, First Interstate Bank
- Kaelyn Kenner, Dell Technologies
- Kevin Kirschenmann, Black Hills Surgical Hospital
- Abigail Kreilaus, Black Hills Federal Credit Union
- Krista Leischner, Rapid City Area Schools
- Callie Meyer, Downtown Rapid City
- Tallyn (Lockhart) Moser, RESPEC
- Aly Quinn, Rapid City Public Library
- Nicole Schlabach, Black Hills Area Community Foundation
- Hannah Sheffield, Ketel Thorstenson, LLP
- Cody Smith, Prairie Edge
- Shelby Solano, Strider Bikes
- Nick Van Dyne, Black Hills Coffee Company