Sarah Carlson, Development Director

Passionate about imagery and interpretation her whole life, Sarah has played a creative director role for two decades of design work in tourism, nonprofits, including exhibit design and revitalization. Sarah spent 15 years in Sioux Falls, SD and now 12 years in the Black Hills. Sarah dove into the executive director position 8 years ago at the Homestake Opera House in Lead, SD to assist in strategic planning and funding of restoration projects while the 105-old theater features 40 year-round events and tours. Sarah is grateful to live in a welcoming community that is truly "Miles Beyond Ordinary". Sarah has committed leadership roles in pastoral music performance and church choirs, community theatre, Lead Historic Preservation, Lead Area Chamber of Commerce, Black Hills and Badlands Tourism, and proudly sings the National Anthem for several annual events in Deadwood. Learn more about Sarah:
http://www.blackhillslifestyle.com/magazine/bhls/
http://blackhillsfaces.com/sarah-carlson/
https://weareota.com/spotlight/sarah-carlson/

Anne Rogers-Popejoy, Education & Outreach/grantwriter

​Anne first walked into the Opera House in 2008, blanket in hand, to see Fiddler on the Roof. It was cold, but she could tell that this place was special. Since then, Anne has volunteered at the HHOH with the Gold Camp Players, at events, and in various behind the scenes capacities for more than a decade. In 2018 she began writing grants with the development team, and joined the staff in 2019 as the Education and Outreach coordinator. Anne brings to the table nearly 15 years experience in youth development, fundraising, and community building. Anne’s educational programs are hands-on, dynamic, and a lot of fun. She is passionate about equal access to quality arts and culture programs, and is glad to have found a home at the Historic Homestake Opera House.

Shanon Morrison, Office Manager/Bookkeeper

Shanon was born in Lead, SD where her family is one of the few who can boast five generations of workers at the Homestake Gold Mine. Shanon started her school years in Lead, SD when her family moved from the area for a few years, she spent all of her summers and vacations in the Black Hills, returning to Lead in 1986 to graduate from Lead High School in 1987. Shanon is the proud wife of Daniel, who years ago was a lifeguard at the HHOH in his teen years and where she spend many hours swimming. She is the mother of three adult children and currently three grandchildren. She has been involved with many organizations as a volunteer from a Girl Scout Leader, Boy Scout Popcorn Chairman, Lead Deadwood Youth Bowling Organization and Lead Deadwood Booster Club, to name just a few. Shanon's heart is definitely proud to be from Lead. She loves the history of the area. When not working at the HHOH she spends her time with her children and grandchildren, riding motorcycles with her family, or spending time at the MX track or working on genealogy research. Shanon has worked in the nonprofit world for 11 years and enjoys her job at the HHOH with all its history and enjoys the people she meets every day.