As Elevate Rapid City’s Special Projects Director, Laura is dedicated to making projects move forward, helping implement the Innovation District plan, and managing the Elevate Foundation. She is the resident Elevate grants expert. 

Originally from Nebraska, Laura graduated from the University of South Dakota with a bachelor’s degree in English and minor in political science, and a master’s in public administration. Prior to joining the Elevate Rapid City team, Laura worked as the grants manager for the YMCA.

When she isn’t diving into the area’s housing issues, Laura enjoys spending time hiking and kayaking, playing board games, baking, or spending time with her husband Eammon their cat Sparrow, and dog Chip.