STURGIS, S.D. – For Carrie Belawske, stepping into her new role as Human Resources Director for the City of Sturgis is more than just a career move — it’s a homecoming.
Belawske starts her new job with the city today, Monday, Aug. 25.
“Carrie’s combination of leadership, HR expertise, and deep local ties make her an outstanding addition to our team,” said Sturgis City Administrator Aaron Jordan. “We’re fortunate to welcome someone who understands both the professional and personal side of serving this community.”
The city of Sturgis has been without a human resources director since August of 2024.
Belawske, the daughter of Cal and Linda Corey, was born and raised in Sturgis. She left shortly after graduating from Sturgis Brown High School in 1989 to serve her country. Just weeks after graduation, she enlisted in the U.S. Army with the goal of earning college tuition support through the Army College Fund.
Belawske served as a Training Specialist and Logistical Analyst with the Department of the Army at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and as a U.S. Army Ammunition Warrant Officer in multiple worldwide locations, including two combat tours in Iraq.
Belawske earned a B.S. in Human Business Management (Cum Laude) from the University of Phoenix and has received numerous military honors, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, and Army Meritorious Service Medal, before retiring as a warrant officer in 2009.
“I really liked the ability to travel and meet people from every background, all working together toward something bigger than ourselves,” Belawske said. “The military gave me structure and standards that were very clear. You knew what was expected of you.”
After retiring, Belawske transitioned into human resources work with the Department of Veterans Affairs, where she has spent the past several years helping support and guide a workforce of more than 1,200 employees.
Now, she is eager to bring that same dedication and experience to the City of Sturgis.
“I think it was really beneficial for me to leave and then come back,” she said. “I have a new appreciation for my hometown and I want to be more involved in making it better.”
Belawske is clear about her vision for the HR department: building connections, listening, and ensuring staff know she is there to support them. “I don’t want people to just see HR as discipline or terminations,” she explained. “I want them to know I’m here to help. That means getting out of my office, visiting different departments, and making sure employees and supervisors alike feel comfortable coming to me.”
She believes communication and transparency will be key. “If we invest in our employees, they become ambassadors for the city. They go out and tell their friends and neighbors how things are improving. That ripple effect is powerful.”
Belawske and her husband, Kurt — also a military veteran who flew Apache helicopters and now works for the VA — moved back to Sturgis in 2016 to raise their family.
Though her career has taken her around the world, Belawske says there’s something special about serving the place she’s always called home. “I want to support our staff, support city leadership, and contribute to the future of Sturgis,” she said.