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
Dustin Calhoun, began his career in Law Enforcement in 2005 with the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. After serving 5 years as a Patrol Deputy, Dustin left Law Enforcement to continue his education. He received his Bachelors of Science Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in Criminal Justice, Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. After a brief period working for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, he and his family returned to South Dakota where worked for Court Services Officer (Probation Officer) in Pennington County South Dakota, for the 7th Judicial Circuit of South Dakota. Dustin currently works in the healthcare industry at Monument Health as a Emergency Preparedness and Safety professional.
In 2011, Dustin’s best friend was killed in the line of duty, prompting he and Jason to do more for their community. Since that time, Dustin has dedicated his time to serving his community in an effort to make it a safer place for both officers and community members. He supports officers and their families, making it his priority, to make officers jobs safer through his commitment to Black Hills Badges for Hope and its mission.
Dustin, is married and has two daughters. He enjoys ice fishing, hunting, camping and hiking in the Black Hills of South Dakota in his free time
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 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.
Jason LaHaie
Vice President
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 for Unify Home Lending, 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.
Tyler Tribby
EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER
Anna Benitez
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.
Candace Archer
SECRETARY
Candace Archer was born and raised in Rapid City. A Graduate of Rapid City Central High School, and Black Hills State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services emphasis on probation and law enforcement. Candace worked for the South Dakota Department of Social Services, Child Protection Division for almost 10 years. Although she has stepped away from social services and works for MG OIL Company as a dispatcher. She still has a heart for the children of this community, she truly loves children and the idea of giving back to them and her community.
Candace has been married for 15 years and has two beautiful sons who are her pride and joy! Candace comes from a long background of law enforcement and military in her family. She became a board member of Black Hills Badges of Hope with the idea and hopes of making a difference by motivating the community to inspire our children to do better and greater things for Rapid City, especially for themselves! No dream, goal or inspiration is too great for anyone!