South Dakota Housing Welcomes New Board Member

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Gov. Larry Rhoden has appointed Sara Hornick to the South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDH) Board of Commissioners.  

Hornick is the Executive Director of the Rapid City Public School Foundation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in speech communications and mass communications with an emphasis in public relations from Black Hills State University.

Hornick and her husband, Chris, have three children and are also a former foster family. They fostered 26 children over nine years and adopted two children from foster care. Hornick transitioned from a foster parent to a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) where she now advocates for foster children in the court system.

“We’re excited to have Sara on the board,” said Chas Olson, Executive Director of SDH. “Her background working with nonprofit service providers combined with her experience in community relations will be a valuable complement to our current Board of Commissioners.”

In addition to her professional role, Hornick is an active community member and volunteer. She has been involved with organizations such as Community Services Connection of the Black Hills, Black Hills Regional Homeless Coalition, Rapid City Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Group, Live Well Black Hills, and Lutheran Social Services.

“I am looking forward to serving as a commissioner for the South Dakota Housing Development Authority. I worked as a volunteer with the Black Hills Regional Homeless Coalition for 10 years and interacted with SD Housing through the Point-in-Time count and the Coordinated Entry system,” said Hornick. “I am passionate about affordable housing and making it accessible in South Dakota. I am honored to be appointed in this role and look forward to serving South Dakota in this capacity."

Hornick joins current commissioners Jonathan Guenthner of Mitchell, Alex Jensen of Sioux Falls, Mark Roby of Watertown, Shuana Sheets of Rapid City, Preston Steele of Huron and Chairman Scott Erickson of Sioux Falls.

SDH’s commissioners are appointed by the Governor and serve to establish policy for the organization and oversee its operations.

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About South Dakota Housing

South Dakota Housing Development Authority was created by the South Dakota Legislature in 1973 with a stated mission to provide opportunities for quality, affordable housing for South Dakotans. South Dakota Housing is a self-supporting, nonprofit entity known for our commitment for providing innovative financing solutions to create and preserve affordable housing. South Dakota Housing utilizes housing bonds, tax credits, and other federal and state resources to fund housing programs which provide mortgage and downpayment assistance, housing construction and rehabilitation, homelessness prevention, rental assistance, and educational opportunities.

For more information:

Chas Olson, Executive Director, SD Housing, 605.773.3181