Our Services Are For Everyone!
We are here to help you on your journey as an entrepreneur, intrapreneur, and individual. All you need is to take that first step and reach out to our team, and we will get you on the path to success.
SD CEO West Team
Elizabeth Freer
Director, SD CEO West
605.642.6311 | Elizabeth.Freer@BHSU.edu
Elizabeth Freer's professional journey is marked by dedication to community development. As the owner of dialogue LLC, Elizabeth consulted and managed major projects throughout the Black Hills, including planning for the world-class STEM institute in Lead, SD for the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority. Her commitment to creating opportunities and providing resources to the community has already earned her a strong reputation throughout the Black Hills region.
Ashley Wingert
Program Assistant
605.642.6948 | Ashley.Wingert@BHSU.edu
Ashley focuses on uplifting her team and the growing community established by SD CEO West by providing key support at events and conferences. Her aim is to make sure that everyone has the resources and information they need to stay on track to meet their career goals, whether it is through ongoing training and counseling, or maintaining a budget.
In her free time, Ashley likes to roam around and explore the outdoors, curl up with a book, or lose herself in embroidery.
Cassie Sams
Program Coordinator
605.642.6435 | Cassandra.Sams@BHSU.edu
Cassie serves as the Program Coordinator for SD CEO West. With a diverse background spanning non-profit organizations, small businesses, and higher education, she brings experience in event management and marketing to her role. Her focus is on building and expanding programs offered by SD CEO West to reach small business owners and help them achieve their business goals.
In her leisure time, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, especially the Black Hills, and cherishing moments with family and friends.
SD CEO West Advisory Board Members
Sandy Burns
President
Project Solutions | Rapid City
Advisory Board Chair
Claudine Bates
Staff Risk Engineer
Western Electricity Coordinating Council | Rapid City
Molly Brown
Partner, GenPro Energy Development
GenPro Energy Solutions | Piedmont
Nina Braun CPA, CFP
CEO
Ketel Thorstenson, LLP | Rapid City
Carrie Gerlach
Owner & CEO
Black Hills Adventure Tours | Rapid City
Michelle Loobey-Gertsch
Director of Advancement
Black Hills Works Foundation | Rapid City
Kristie Martin
Market President
Dacotah Bank | Aberdeen
Kae McNeil
Retired
US Bank Wealth Management | Aberdeen
Kanda Guthmiller
Scholarship Coordinator
Ex-Officio for BHSU University Advancement
Black Hills State University Foundation | Spearfish
Elham Erfanian
Assistant Professor of Economics
Ex-Officio for College of Business
Black Hills State University | Spearfish
