The Board of the Humane Society of the Black Hills is pleased to announce that Tammy Barrows will be the next Executive Director, starting February 10, 2025.

Tammy brings a wealth of experience and insight from over twenty years of senior retail management. As a lifelong resident of Rapid City, she also demonstrates community leadership, including service on the Board of Special Olympics, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and serves as founding Director of DaCoda Instrument Drive. Tammy is an animal lover with two rescue dogs, six birds, a betta, a tank of fish and three mudpuppies. “I love our community,” she says, “and am looking forward to collaborating and making partnerships to benefit the Humane Society and other businesses.” Tammy lives in Rapid City with her husband of 36-years (Kevin Barrows) and has a son (Jesse).

“This is an essential step towards realizing our Project Rescue: Five-Year Strategic Plan” remarks Dr. Jamin Hübner, the Board President. “With new bylaws that will convert us into a membership organization, major campaigns for three different building renovations, and the First Annual Pet Gala on May 3rd, we’re on track for big and exciting changes. It’s a new chapter.” The Five-Year Plan is partly what got Tammy’s interest. “I saw all these big goals on social media and was immediately interested and began thinking, what if this was my next mission? I couldn’t sleep all night!”

The Humane Society was also recognized as being a “no kill” shelter in the year 2023 by Best Friends Animal Society for its 90% save rate on animals. “There’s a lot of misunderstanding about HSBH,” Hübner says. “Many think we’re run by the city when we aren’t; the vast majority of our funding depends on private donations. And most people have no idea we achieved ‘no-kill’ status two years ago. That’s a huge accomplishment given the kind of overcrowding issues that we’re having. Our staff is really amazing.”

The Humane Society continues to improve its operations, develop new relationships in the community, and achieve its long-term goals with the help of generous donors and other community support.

If you care about animals and you’d like to get involved (become a volunteer!), visit HSBH.org or connect on social media. Media inquiries can be directed to the Board President.

Tammy Barrows, Executive Director