Valerie Marsden Simpson

Val Simpson

Val is a fifth-generation South Dakotan and a lifelong resident of the Black Hills. She has a diverse background in accounting, and marketing, and was an entrepreneur. Now in her twelfth year at Black Hills Energy (BHE), a large publicly traded utility, she serves as Regional Manager of Public Relations and Corporate Citizenship.  Her focus is on the community impact BHE has in the hometowns they serve. She personally gives back to her hometown as an active volunteer and advocates for healthy communities, entrepreneurship, education, and the arts. In 2020, Val was named president of the Black Hills Corporation Foundation where she collaborates with other funders in western South Dakota to increase charitable impact.  Also in 2020, she co-chaired the school bond campaign for Rapid City schools that earned 56% approval of voters. Val is very involved with other civic groups in the Black Hills and across the state.

Val and her family are big history buffs, and she never passes up the opportunity to explore a local museum or historical home wherever she travels. She currently serves on the board of the South Dakota Historical Society Foundation and is also a member of the Mayflower Society – an organization of individuals who are able to prove they are of direct descent from a passenger aboard the Mayflower.