SD CEO West Women's Business Center Announces Change in Leadership

Carissa Hauck continues to grow at SD CEO West as the Center's new director

Spearfish, SD.

SD CEO West Women’s Business Center, an organization that provides training, counseling, and technical assistance to aspiring entrepreneurs and current business owners in South Dakota, announces Carissa Hauck as its new director.

Current SD CEO West Director, Michelle Kane, is leaving the organization in early January to lead the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) Foundation as director.

“Passing the leadership baton to Carissa Hauck is truly an honor,” said Kane, “Leaving the organization in such capable hands is an exciting finish to leading the organization for the last five years.”

Hauck received her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration & Human Resources from Black Hills State University in 2018.

Prior positions held by Hauck at SD CEO West include Marketing Specialist and Program Coordinator. She brings three years of entrepreneurial experience as the past owner and co-founder of Scobi Kombucha, one of South Dakota’s first kombucharies.

“The opportunity to continue working with the amazing women at SD CEO West as the director and help others realize their entrepreneurial dreams will be both exciting and challenging. I can’t wait to get started and continue to build on the legacy of success of SD CEO West,” said Hauck.

SD CEO West is hosted by the Black Hills State University Foundation and partially grant funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

According to SBA South Dakota District Director Jaime Wood, the announcement of Hauck as the new SD CEO West WBC director continues a legacy of dedicated service to women small business professionals. “We are grateful to Michelle Kane for her robust years at SD CEO West Women’s Business Center’s helm. One of the greatest leadership achievements is creating a strong bench of talent to keep an organization going and growing and Michelle set the stage for a strong future for small business support across the state,” said Wood. “We are thrilled to see Carissa Hauck elevate into the SD CEO leadership role – she has the depth of organizational and personal business experience, and proven dedication to the South Dakota entrepreneurial space. Small businesses are fortunate to have an experienced professional by their side.” Wood added that Hauck was instrumental in assisting with the recent expansion of the Women’s Business Center network in South Dakota with the launch of the SD CEO East Women’s Business Center in Sioux Falls.

In her new position, Hauck will develop programs, provide free business advising, and oversee day-to-day operations of SD CEO West. For more information about the services provided by SD CEO West, contact Carissa Hauck by email, Carissa.Hauck@BHSU.edu.

About SD CEO

Focused on empowering women and entrepreneurship across South Dakota, SD CEO West, partially grant funded by the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA), provides those interested in starting or already owning their own businesses with the resources they need to succeed. Along with free and confidential business consultation, SD CEO West offers in-person workshops, online training courses, educational seminars, and networking opportunities. With connections to experts across all areas of business startup, management, and growth, SD CEO West can help entrepreneurs in any stage of their business find the resources they need.

Media Contact: 

Bailey Sadowsky 

Marketing Specialist 

Bailey.Jo.Sadowsky@BHSU.edu 

605-642-6435 

BHSU SD CEO webpage