RAPID CITY, S.D. – Elevate Rapid City has named Jack Valentine as its new chief executive officer to guide the region’s economic development efforts.
Valentine joins Elevate Rapid City from the South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development, where he served as the operations division director. During his tenure with the state, he led initiatives focused on business financing and strategic growth.
“Since 2019, Elevate Rapid City has been the primary economic engine in the Black Hills Region,” said Elevate board chair Tom Weaver. “Jack’s unique skillsets will help enhance Elevate’s ability to promote economic growth in the region while deepening relationships with its strategic partners.”
“I am deeply honored and excited for the opportunity to serve as President and CEO of Elevate Rapid City,” said Jack. “Rapid City is a remarkable community with great people, strong businesses, and tremendous opportunities. In this role, I am committed to building our community through strong partnerships and by helping deliver opportunities that strengthen our regional economy and the future of Rapid City and the entire Black Hills region.”
From a press release from Elevate Rapid City, Valentine is a A U.S. Marine, former SWAT Team Leader, coach, mentor, and economic development executive, Jack has spent his career leading teams, developing people, building partnerships, and delivering results in complex and dynamic environments.
According to his LinkedIn profile, he has been working at the South Dakota Govern’s Office of Economic Development as the Director of Operations Division since January, serving as the Director of Finance before that since 2024 and a Senior Loan officer since 2022. He has an MBA from Liberty University out of Lynchburg, VA.
“I am proud of Jack’s leadership throughout his career serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, law enforcement, and state government,” shared GOED Commissioner Bill Even. “I look forward to continuing our collaboration with Elevate Rapid City and the great work being done to grow the Black Hills economy.”
The appointment follows a leadership transition period at Elevate Rapid City. Todd Kenner and Darren Haar previously stepped in to serve as the interim leadership team on January 26th while a permanent executive search was conducted. The search for a permanent CEO started after the previous CEO, Tom Johnson, stepped down on January 14th to take a new role as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Brazos Partnership. Johnson held the CEO position for six years.
As chief executive officer, Valentine will oversee economic development, business advocacy, and workforce opportunities for the Rapid City area.
