Elevate Rapid City is pleased to announce the appointment of Todd Kenner as Interim Chief Executive Officer and Darren Haar as Interim Chief Operating Officer.
“Both Todd and Darren have extensive business experience within the Rapid City community and more than 20 years of combined experience working with our local economic development organizations,” said Tom Weaver, Elevate Rapid City Executive Board Chair. “We are confident they will provide the right direction, perspective, and leadership to ensure our commitment to Rapid City.”
Their leadership builds on a strong foundation of talented staff whose work continues to move Elevate forward. Elevate remains focused on pro-business advocacy, expanding workforce opportunities, supporting local businesses, promoting sustainable growth, and serving our investors.
Over the next four to six months, Elevate will launch a national search for its next long-term leader.
We’re excited about the road ahead and look forward to working with our partners to keep Rapid City a place people want to be.
About the Interim Leadership
Todd James Kenner, Interim CEO
Todd Kenner brings more than 40 years of leadership experience to Elevate Rapid City. As CEO of RESPEC from 2009 to 2025, he helped grow the Rapid City–based firm from a $14 million specialty company into a diversified consulting organization generating more than $140 million in annual revenue across the U.S. and Canada. A registered professional engineer in six states, Kenner has also served in numerous community and professional leadership roles and previously served as Treasurer on the Elevate Rapid City Board of Directors.
Darren Haar, Interim COO
Darren Haar is a seasoned business executive, investor, and community leader with extensive global experience. After a successful career with DuPont—where he advanced into senior international leadership roles—he returned to the Black Hills to support entrepreneurship, innovation, and local investment. Haar has been instrumental in launching and leading multiple angel investment funds and previously served as Board Chair of Elevate Rapid City. Today, he continues to mentor entrepreneurs and champion long-term economic diversification throughout the region.