David R. Emery
President & CEO, Black Hills Corporation
First recorded October 23, 2018
David R. Emery is the chairman and CEO of Black Hills Corporation, which serves 1.25 million electric and natural gas utility customers in 800 communities in eight states. Headquartered in Rapid City and under his leadership, the company has placed an intentional focus on its customers and the growth of the company.
As the company celebrates its 135th anniversary, David will sit down with Matt Ehlman of The Numad Group to talk about building community, economic development, leadership insights he’s carried with him personally and professionally, as well as his family’s contribution to preservation of Lakota language and music.
David has served as CEO since 2004 and chairman of the board since 2005. He also served as president from 2004-2015. Prior to being named CEO he held several other roles with the company, including president and COO–Retail Business Segment from 2003-2004, vice president–Fuel Resources from 1997-2003, and several others. He has spent nearly three decades at Black Hills Corporation.
He holds a bachelor of science degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Wyoming, an MBA from the University of South Dakota, and is a Registered Professional Engineer.
David is an enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. He is active in numerous industry organizations, serving on the board of directors of the Edison Electric Institute and the American Gas Association. He is a member of the board of directors for the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis and previously served six years on the board of directors of the United States Chamber of Commerce. He is also active in state and community affairs and is involved in various charitable and nonprofit community organizations.
