South Dakota Housing Announces Shelly O’Brien as Elmer D. Whitepipe Award of Excellence Recipient

Pierre, S.D. (6/26/25) – South Dakota Housing’s annual housing conference included the recognition of an individual for her commitment to affordable rental housing in South Dakota. Shelly O’Brien, of Weinberg PM, Inc., was announced as the recipient of the award at SDH’s award luncheon recently.

O’Brien was honored for her outstanding dedication and commitment to affordable rental housing in South Dakota. She has been a dedicated manager of apartment complexes in South Dakota for over 30 years. Her superior business practices and meticulous attention to detail have created communities where residents feel not just housed but cared for. Her leadership style is marked by compassion, strategic thinking, and a relentless commitment to excellence.

“It is an honor to work with owners, such as Shelly,” said Director of Rental Housing Management Tasha Jones. “She is a beacon of integrity who tirelessly works to ensure that affordable housing is not just available—but dignified, safe, and truly a place people can call home.”

Each year, South Dakota Housing recognizes individuals and/or companies who are instrumental in providing affordable rental housing in the asset management or compliance industry in South Dakota and who exemplify the thoughtful, caring and friendly character of the award’s namesake. Annually, South Dakota Housing accepts nominations for the award and announces the recipient at the annual housing conference.

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About the Elmer D. Whitepipe Award of Excellence

Elmer D. Whitepipe (Buzz, as he was commonly known) helped formulate the South Dakota Housing Development Authority in 1973 and served on its initial Board of Commissioners from 1974 through 1976. He became a Housing Management Specialist on the South Dakota Housing staff in December of 1976 and was instrumental in the creation of the rental housing division at South Dakota Housing where he worked for 29 years. Throughout those years, Elmer had a remarkable impact on the housing industry in South Dakota. South Dakota Housing feels it is important to recognize those who go above and beyond the call of duty, who exemplify an extraordinary work ethic, care deeply about the people served, or who live day in and day out as everyday heroes so that South Dakota Housing can carry on with the legacy that Elmer left behind.

About South Dakota Housing

South Dakota Housing 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:

Tasha Jones, Director of Rental Housing Management, SD Housing, 605.773.3182
Chas Olson, Executive Director, SD Housing, 605.773.3181