2026 Board of Directors Election Candidates

Review your Humane Society of the Black Hills’ Board Member Candidates below. All voting opens March 26th – stay tuned for more information.

Dr. Jamin Hübner, Rapid City

Dr. Jamin Hübner, Rapid City

Current Board President

Dr. Jamin Andreas Hübner is a researcher of social ethics, history, and political economy as well as an activist and organizational leader. He has served as a Research Fellow and Research Professor of Philosophy, Religion and Economics (LCC International University), professor of organizational behavior and economics (University of the People), professor of economics (Western Dakota Technical Institute), Academic Dean and Director of Institutional Effectiveness, and as a board member of several nonprofits and cooperatives. He lives in Rapid City with Jessica and their two dogs from the Humane Society, Shosta and Zoay. 

Laura Armstrong, Rapid City

Laura Armstrong, Rapid City

Current Board Vice President

Laura Armstrong has been a dedicated supporter of HSBH for over a decade. During that time she served as a volunteer,  teaches kitty yoga, acted as City Council liaison, and most recently  held the role as Vice President on the HSBH Board of Directors.  She is deeply passionate  about animal welfare and is committed to strengthening and growing the organization’s presence within the community.  

Jim Rowenhorst, Rapid City

Jim Rowenhorst, Rapid City

Current Board Member

Jim Rowenhorst has been a dedicated volunteer at the HSBH for the past five years, walking dogs in all weather conditions, and accumulating more than 1500 hours with his special friends. He has also been on the HSBH Board of Directors for the last 3 years helping the organization achieve its’ goals. Jim is a retired national consultant specializing in the planning, construction, and opening of new jail facilities. He was also a consultant for the US Department of Justice providing training and technical assistance to numerous county jails.

Ali DeMersseman, Rapid City

Ali DeMersseman, Rapid City

Ali was born and raised in Rapid City, and with the exception of stints in Portland, Oregon and Minneapolis, Minnesota, has lived and worked in western South Dakota her entire life.  Ali’s relationship with the Humane Society of the Black Hills began 11 years ago when her family adopted a kitten from the shelter.  Since then, they have adopted three more pets, fostered many kittens, and volunteered walking dogs at the HSBH.  Ali is now interested in expanding her role with the organization by serving on the Board of Directors.  Professionally, she brings experience in grant writing, project management, stakeholder engagement, and non-profit management.  Ali has served on multiple boards and advisory committees and is well-versed in non-profit financial practices, policy development, and strategic planning.

Leslie Kazmierczak, Rapid City

Leslie Kazmierczak, Rapid City

Leslie was born in Rapid City, and after spending most of her life living outside the state of South Dakota, she has returned home. She is passionate about animal welfare, has volunteered in animal shelters for over twenty-five years, and would like to make a difference in both the Humane Society of the Black Hills and our community. Leslie has spent twenty years in the corporate world and ten years as a business owner, developing strong skills in strategic planning, financial oversight, and digital outreach and marketing. Her passion for animal welfare and community awareness drives her desire to use her skills to contribute to the HSBH’s impactful work. Leslie lives in the foothills outside Rapid City with her two cats, both adopted from the HSBH.

Sam Slocum, Rapid City

Sam Slocum, Rapid City

Sam Slocum is a Senior Librarian with more than a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership and public service. A lifelong Rapid City resident, she is deeply committed to strengthening local organizations that serve the community. Sam has supported the Humane Society of the Black Hills as a foster and volunteer and has adopted seven animals through the organization. She is passionate about advancing animal welfare and looks forward to supporting the continued growth of the Humane Society of the Black Hills.