The Seventh Circuit CASA Program Board of Directors announced that Bailey Johns has been appointed Executive Director, effective October 26, 2026. Johns has served as Interim Executive Director since October 21, following the departure of longtime Executive Director Kehala Two Bulls.

Johns has been with the Seventh Circuit CASA Program since January 2019, most recently as Advocacy Program Manager, where she worked directly with the program's volunteer advocates and the children they serve. Her deep institutional knowledge, strong relationships with volunteers and community partners, and steady leadership during the interim period made her the selection to lead the organization.

Board President Chris Hornick said the board believes Johns has demonstrated the qualities needed to lead the organization going forward. "Bailey has shown this board exactly the kind of leader she is; steady, thoughtful, and completely devoted to the kids we serve. She knows our volunteers, our cases, and our mission from the inside out. Bailey has the full support of the entire board and we are excited to stand behind her as she leads CASA into its next chapter," Hornick said.

"I am so proud to lead the CASA team and our mission," Johns said. "Every day I get to see what happens when a caring adult shows up for a child in our community — it changes lives. Our staff and volunteers are the heart of this work, and I am honored to stand alongside them as we work to make sure every child who needs a voice in court has one."

The Seventh Circuit CASA Program covers the South Dakota Seventh Judicial Circuit, including all of Pennington, Custer and Fall River counties. The program was established in 1986, making it the first CASA program in South Dakota. In the past four decades, the organization has advocated for more than 5,221 children who have experienced abuse and neglect.

Individuals interested in becoming a CASA volunteer can visit casaofrapidcity.org for information about 2027 volunteer training dates.