RAPID CITY, S.D. — Elevate Rapid City announced Monday the appointment of Todd Kenner as interim chief executive officer and Darren Haar as interim chief operating officer as the organization prepares for a national leadership search.
Kenner and Haar bring decades of business and civic experience in Rapid City and the Black Hills, according to the organization.
“Both Todd and Darren have extensive business experience within the Rapid City community and more than 20 years of combined experience working with our local economic development organizations,” Executive Board Chair Tom Weaver said in a statement. “We are confident they will provide the right direction, perspective, and leadership to ensure our commitment to Rapid City.”
Elevate Rapid City said the interim leadership team will work alongside existing staff as the organization continues its focus on pro-business advocacy, workforce development, support for local businesses, sustainable growth and service to investors across western South Dakota.
The organization plans to launch a national search for a permanent chief executive over the next four to six months.
Kenner brings more than 40 years of leadership experience to the interim role. He served as chief executive officer of RESPEC from 2009 to 2025, leading the Rapid City–based engineering and consulting firm through significant growth. During his tenure, the company expanded from a $14 million specialty firm to a diversified consulting organization generating more than $140 million in annual revenue across the United States and Canada.
A registered professional engineer in six states, Kenner has served in numerous professional and community leadership roles and previously held the position of treasurer on the Elevate Rapid City Board of Directors.
Haar is a business executive, investor and community leader with international experience. He spent much of his career with DuPont, advancing into senior global leadership roles before returning to the Black Hills. Since then, he has been active in supporting entrepreneurship, innovation and local investment.
Haar has played a key role in launching and leading multiple angel investment funds and previously served as board chair of Elevate Rapid City. He continues to mentor entrepreneurs and advocate for long-term economic diversification in Rapid City and the region.
Elevate Rapid City said it looks forward to working with community partners during the transition to ensure continuity and momentum as the organization moves ahead.
