Administration

As the heart of governance and community leadership, the City of Box Elder Administration is dedicated to serving the needs of our residents and fostering a city that thrives on collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. Our administrative team is committed to transparent and open communication, ensuring that you have access to the information you need about city policies, initiatives, and services. Here, you'll find resources that provide insights into the workings of our city government, updates on ongoing projects, and opportunities for community involvement. The City of Box Elder is proud of its rich heritage and the vibrant community that makes it a special place to live, work, and play. Our administration works diligently to address the needs of our residents and businesses while planning for the future growth and sustainability of our city. Feel free to explore the various sections of this page to learn more about our administrative team, city ordinances, public meetings, and other essential services. We encourage you to get involved, attend community events, and share your feedback as we work together to make Box Elder an even better place to call home.

Nicole Schneider
City Administrator and Chief Finance Officer

As the City Administrator and CFO, Nicole leads Box Elder’s executive team and holds overall responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the city. With more than 30 years of public service and 18 years in executive-level management, Nicole brings the critical depth of experience required to manage one of South Dakota’s fastest growing communities in an administratively precise, financially responsible, publicly accountable, and customer-centered way. Nicole’s professional credentials include a master’s degree in public administration with an emphasis in administrative law, bachelor’s degrees in Accounting and Political Science – Pre-Law, and advanced professional certificates in taxes and levies, program management, and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

Jason Dubbs
Police Chief

A Rapid City native, Jason brings a lifetime of community connectedness and understanding of the local area to lead Box Elder’s police force. A 20-year veteran of the department, Jason began his career as an unpaid Reserve Police Officer and went on to hold each title and position as the community and department grew around him. Committed to the motto of “to Protect and Serve”, Jason is responsible for the coordination of all aspects of emergency services and police services specifically. With extensive training in advanced police skills, 21st Century Policing and community policing, and commitment to the best practices of his profession, Jason delivers trust in the department’s services, a high quality of life for residence, and confidence in the safety of the community.

 

Sean Overeynder
Director of Economic & Community Development

Doug Curry
Director of Public Works

With more than 20 years of diverse experience in governmental operations management, Doug leads Box Elder's largest division and its most visible services. As Public Works Director, he is responsible for each street, park, water, and sewer line, as well as the day to day and long-term maintenance thereof. Doug is a native of Southern California, veteran of the US Airforce twice stationed at Ellsworth AFB, former Deputy Airport Director for the Rapid City Regional Airport, and now calls Box Elder home.

Scott Lange
City Engineer

A highly experienced civil engineer, Scott joins the City of Box Elder with more than 30 years in the engineering business.  With passion for client service, he has led many public and private projects over the course of his career as an engineering consultant.  His duties included serving client cities as their city engineer as well as managing large multi-disciplined rail served industrial projects.  Scott leads the City’s efforts to build enduring and sustainable public infrastructure.  Scott is a graduate of North Dakota State University and started his career as a Civil Engineer Corps Officer in the United States Navy.

Lauralee Patton
Planning & Zoning Director

Lauralee is a native of Wyoming and brings over a decade of dedicated experience in management to her role as the Planning & Zoning Director. She is responsible for guiding and overseeing a range of critical functions that shape the future of Box Elder. Her responsibilities include long-range and current planning initiatives, overseeing building services, and ensuring effective code enforcement. Under her leadership, Box Elder's planning and zoning efforts are characterized by a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the preservation of the community's unique character. Lauralee's professional credentials include Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) designation, American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), and certification as a Building Inspector. She holds a bachelor's degree in Geography, which has equipped her with a strong foundation in understanding the intricacies of urban planning and development. Her passion for enhancing the quality of life for the community's residents and her unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service are the cornerstones of her professional journey.

Renee Baker
Assistant Finance Officer

Renee Baker joins the City of Box Elder with nearly a decade of local government experience and expertise in Finance and Human Resources. A Black Hills native, Renee holds a degree in Business Administration, is a Certified Compensation Analyst, and is a certified professional with the Public Sector HR Association. She brings a strong background in budgeting and financial management. As the Assistant Finance Officer, Renee supports the city's day-to-day financial operations, including budgeting and compliance, while ensuring financial transparency and efficiency.

 

Human Resource Director

Rob Timm
Grant Writer/Administrator

Rob comes to the City of Box Elder with nearly 30 years of non-profit and governmental leadership experience.  He has held senior positions in the healthcare, state and federal government fields along with several volunteer non-profit board of directors.  A graduate of South Dakota State University with a degree in Political Science as well as a graduate of the University of Nebraska’s Non-Profit Management Institute and the Grantsmanship Center, Rob provides expertise in grant writing, contract management, research and administration for all City of Box Elder departments.  A life-long South Dakota native, Rob is a decorated veteran of the South Dakota Army National Guard. 

Derek Wingfield
Public Information Officer

Derek brings over a decade of extensive experience in the government sector, complemented by nearly 10 years of successful retail management.  His career in government started as a law enforcement officer, quickly advancing into role as a K9 team focused on enhancing community safety and combatting drug-related issues.  Following his retirement from law enforcement, Derek seamlessly transitioned into community development, leveraging the training and insights gained from hands-on street experience. During this phase, he played a pivotal role in rebranding and revitalizing a stagnant economy in a small rural town with a volatile economic history.  Derek’s dedicated efforts to serving on multiple area Chamber of Commerce boards, strategically working towards stimulating economic growth and attracting new businesses and industries to foster economic diversity and stability.  His understanding of community dynamics, coupled with experience in small government operations and his understanding of the intricacies of law enforcement positions him to serve effectively conveying pertinent information on City business to the public.