Introducing, our
Board of Directors
We look forward to meeting you in person.
Until then, here is a little bit about those behind BHBFH.
Dustin Calhoun
President/Co-Founder
Dustin Calhoun began his career in public service in 2005 with the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, where he served as a Patrol Deputy. After leaving law enforcement to pursue further education, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in Criminal Justice, Homeland Security, and Emergency Preparedness. He later returned to South Dakota and worked as a Court Services Officer for the 7th Judicial Circuit, supporting justice-involved individuals as they navigated the probation system. Dustin currently serves as an Emergency Management/ Business Continuity Professional at Monument Health, where he contributes to the safety, preparedness and resilience of the healthcare system.
In 2011, Dustin’s best friend, Nick, was killed in the line of duty, a loss that profoundly shaped his dedication to community service. Motivated by this tragedy, Dustin and his colleague Jason founded Black Hills Badges for Hope. Through this organization, Dustin has devoted himself to supporting officers, their families, and youth across the Black Hills. His work focuses on strengthening community relationships, enhancing officer Emotional Intelligence and Safety, and providing meaningful assistance to families in need.
Dustin is currently studying for his Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. His goal is to use this training to support first responders and justice-involved individuals as they navigate the challenges of daily life, trauma exposure, and long-term wellbeing. His academic work reflects his commitment to culturally responsive, trauma-informed care and his desire to serve populations he has worked alongside throughout his career.
Dustin is married and has two daughters. Outside of work and community service, he enjoys being around friends, ice fishing, hunting, camping, and hiking throughout the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Jason LaHaie
VP/ Co-Founder
Jason LaHaie, began his law enforcement career in 2005. He has worked in Patrol, Canine, Investigations, and as a member of the Special Response Entry Team rapid the Pennington County Rapid City Special Response Team. He has trained others in Constitutional Law, Firearms, and Canine demonstrations. He became a member of the Rapid City Police Department's Peer Support Team in 2016, after going through several traumatic Department events. Jason currently serves as a Deputy US Marshal in the District of North Dakota. In 2011, his best friend and coworker, Ryan, was killed in the line of duty. Since that tragic event, Jason has devoted many years of support to other officers, surviving family members, and the community to help them heal and to give back to others who have supported the department.
Jason, is married and has two daughters. He enjoys hunting, and riding his Harley Davidson in the Black Hills in his free time.
Tyler Tribby
Executive Board Member
Tyler is a lifelong resident of Rapid City and has no intention of ever changing that. he loves our community and is passionate about investing in the future and actively participating in positive, forward progress. He was honored when Dustin asked him to join the Board supporting those that protect the community he is proud to call his home. He also believes that part of the forward vision of Rapid City must include supporting and encouraging our young people, especially those that may not have the resources they need to reach their true potential. It is humbling to know the impact this group will be able to make on so many lives.
He met his wife in 1st grade, they married in 2015 and now have a young daughter, his family is his greatest priority. He was a Senior Loan Originator for Premier Home Mortgage for over 11 years and currently works at AnnieMac Home Lending Group, he sincerely enjoys helping people purchase homes. He has been serving as Vice President for the Med5 Federal Credit Union Board of Directors for many years. He has served on the Board of the Black Hills Home Builders Association since 2009 and was President of the organization in 2017. He also had the fantastic opportunity to complete the Leadership Rapid City program in 2010. He takes great pride in all of these achievements and is honored to be very involved in the community that his is passionate about.
Anna Benitez
Secretary/ Treasurer
Anna Benitez is from Hutchinson, Kansas but has lived in Rapid City since 2006. She received her bachelor’s degree from Wichita State University in Accounting and is employed as a corporate accountant at Black Hills Energy for the last two years. Anna joined the BH Badges for Hope board in 2020 after learning about the opportunity from a fellow Leadership Rapid City classmate. Anna was inspired by the mission of the group and accepted. Anna has enjoyed being a part of the wonderful work that BH Badges for Hope does and is blown away at the support provided by the community.
In her spare time, Anna enjoys playing and watching sports, spending time with friends, and exploring the beautiful Black Hills. Anna has a dog named Bruiser and enjoys spoiling him and taking him with her on outdoor adventures. Anna also enjoys meeting and connecting with others thru the Young Professionals Group with Elevate Rapid City and volunteering with the Rapid City German Club. Anna plans to continue taking opportunities to volunteer thru her employer as well.
Anna has been a champion of Black Hills Badges for Hope since her involvement started. She brings great energy to the board and leadership skills guiding the board on financial decisions to better impact our community, the officers we support and the youth of our community.
Nichole Buchholz
Director of Social Media Marketing/ Executive Board Member
Nichole Buchholz is a South Dakota native, photographer, and social media creative dedicated to telling meaningful stories through imagery and connection. She earned her Bachelor of Arts and Science in Mass Communications from Black Hills State University, where she developed a strong foundation in visual storytelling and communication.
With a passion for capturing real, unfiltered moments, Nichole focuses on creating images that feel authentic, emotional, and lasting. She has proudly been the official photographer for Black Hills Badges for Hope since the very beginning, documenting the heart behind the mission and the powerful connections between first responders and the community. Being part of those moments—big and small—is what fuels her work.
Beyond photography, Nichole helps small businesses show up authentically online through social media, blending visual storytelling with genuine connection. She loves the Black Hills and is proud to call it home, raising her family in a place that continues to inspire both her life and her work.
Since 2016, Andrew Koupal has been a dedicated advocate for the youth in his community. What began as a commitment to the annual BH Badges for Hope Golf Tournament evolved into a deep-seated mission to provide local youth with the resources and support they need to thrive.
After years of hands-on involvement, Andrew joined the Board of Directors in 2023. In this leadership role, he continues to bridge the gap between community support and youth empowerment, driven by the belief that investing in our youth today is the surest way to build a stronger, more resilient tomorrow.
Outside of his community work, Andrew is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunting, fishing, and camping in the Black Hills. He lives in the area with his wife and two children, sharing his love for the outdoors with the next generation.