Northern Hills Training Center Board of Directors 

The Northern Hills Training Center Board of Directors includes Shawn Rost (President), Greg Kruskamp (Vice President), Karen Bridges (Secretary/Treasurer), Ed Furois, Merlyn Aman, Russ Graesser and Don Aaker.   

Shawn Rost – Shawn is the President of First Western Bank in Deadwood, SD.  Shawn graduated from BHSU in 1990 with a degree in business administration.  He has been active in community affairs and has served on the boards of the Deadwood Area Chamber of Commerce, Dakota Land Trust, Deadwood Economic Development Corporation, Retired and Seniors Volunteers Program,First Interstate Bank, and The Neighborhood Housing Service of the Black Hills.  Shawn is also the former Treasurer, Vice President and President of the Spearfish Retail Trade Association.  In 2000, Shawn was honored as the BHSU Alumni Association’s young alumnus of the year.  This award is given to alumni who have distinguished themselves with outstanding achievements, contributions, and service to society, the community and BHSU.  

Greg Kruskamp – Greg is originally from Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.  Greg and his wife, Kathy, were married in Lead, SD in 1996 in the same church Greg's parents and grandparents were married.  He moved his family back to the northern Black Hills in 2000 after spending 15 years as the Chief Information Officer at Boulder Medical Center in Boulder, Colorado.  Greg is currently the Network Administrator at PREMIER Bankcard.  Greg has served on various boards and commissions including the Optimist Club, the Historic Preservation Commission, and the Spearfish Planning and Zoning Commission where he has served as President in the past.  Greg and his family are active in scouting and he serves as a Council board member, District Commissioner and local Unit Commissioner.  Greg's awards include the Boy Scouts of America District Award of Merit and PREMIER's highest award of honor, the President's Award.  Greg, his wife and their two children, Gus and Ella, are thankful to have moved back to Spearfish so they can enjoy their friends, the Black Hills and the quality of life Spearfish offers. 

Karen Bridges – Karen graduated from Spearfish High School and from South Dakota State University with a major in Home Economics Education and a minor in Science.  Karen obtained a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling from BHTC and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Yeshiva University in New York City.  She has taught Home Economics in Spearfish and Sturgis.  Karen and her husband, Don, started and operated a woman’s clothing store, The Pants Pocket, in Spearfish for many years.  Karen sold real estate for a few years and has been in health care since 1992.  Karen is currently a Hospice Social Worker for Hospice of the Northern Hills.  Karen has been recognized by Hospice for her efforts with hospice patients and their families.  Karen also serves as the chairperson of the annual Hospice golf tournament, one of their major fundraisers.  Karen has two sons and four grandchildren. 

Ed Furois - Ed and Mary Furois, are longtime supporters of BHSU and the entire community. Ed graduated from BHSU in 1959 with a degree in business and economics. The couple entered the local retail business world in 1962 with the purchase of the Spearfish Bootery which they operated together until it was sold in 1999. Ed and Mary were both active members of the Spearfish Chamber of Commerce and the Spearfish Retail Trade Association. Ed was also a volunteer fireman, a member of the Spearfish School Board and a member of the local hospital board of directors and Norwest Bank board of directors. The Furois couple was honored as South Dakota Retail Couple of the Year in 1997 and received the Spirit of Spearfish Award in 1999.   

Merlyn Aman – Merlyn Aman taught music courses for many years at BHSU and was Director of the Music Department.  Merlyn and his wife, Shirley, continue to make an effort to stay involved in the Spearfish community and especially with the University.  Merlyn’s diagnosis of Guillian-Barre syndrome and his consequent reliance on crutches and leg braces motivated him to help others come to a greater understanding and acceptance of disabilities.    He has been called on as a national inspirational and motivational speaker, especially for developmental disability conferences.  Merlyn was honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award at Northern State University in 2001 for his passion for music and his lifelong commitment to ensuring opportunities for all people.  He has served as a consultant to the State Department of Education and was appointment to serve on the Council for Developmental Disabilities. 

 Russ Graesser - Russ is a 1974 business honors graduate from Black Hills State University.  He received a master's degree in public administration from the University of Northern Colorado shortly thereafter.  His professional career began as a management auditor with the Government Accountability Officer, Denver Region.  After several years with the GAO, he then joined the business faculty at BHSU and the SD School of Mines and Technology, eventually settling with BHSU full time.  During this time he served as the business division representative to the Faculty Senate, including serving as its President.  Russ has held numerous positions throughout his career including with the Department of Veterans Affairs and a non-profit heath education organization.  He was also the Managing Director of the Salt Lake City Veterans Affairs Employee and Education  Resources Center.  After retiring from his position in Salt Lake City, Russ and his wife, MJ, developed and sold a Subway restaurant and then began work as Subway Field Consultants part-time in western Nebraska and South Dakota.  Russ served many years on the Board of Directors of NHTC, including as chairperson, prior to moving to Salt Lake City.  He was reinstated to the board shortly after his return to Spearfish several years ago.  Russ also served on the Governor's Planning Council for Developmental Disabilities, and he and his wife, MJ, served on planning groups with the Department of Developmental Disabilities to develop policies and procedures for Family Support in South Dakota. 

Don Aaker - On April 29, 2005 Don retired after 20 years as the manager of the Career Center in Spearfish. This native to Athol, SD, was involved in helping to make this community tick since he stepped foot into Spearfish. During the day, he matched people to jobs and helped with career development. At night, if he was not running a school board meeting or helping out at his church, he was probably at home reading a historical novel. He said that one of his favorite things to do, after reading both local newspapers and checking out the news on-line, is to read a good book.  Don is currently a real estate agent with Century 21 in Spearfish.