Mike Headley named to list of Honorary Commanders at Ellsworth Air Force Base
The Honorary Commander program is designed to strengthen the relationship between the base and the surrounding community by exposing individuals to the mission through first hand experiences.
Mike Headley, executive director of the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) and laboratory director at Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF), is one of 11 individuals selected to participate in the Ellsworth Honorary Commander program. Col. Erick Lord, 28th Bomb Wing commander, announced the new inductees into the program during the Black Hills Military Advisory Coalition Chow Hall Luncheon held this month at the Liberty Center in Box Elder, South Dakota.
More than 100 area civic and business leaders joined Lord in recognizing those completing their terms in the Honorary Commander program and welcoming those handpicked for the 2026 class.
“Ellsworth does not succeed alone,” Lord said. “The Honorary Commander program is one of the best bridges we have. It lets our Airmen understand you and the region we call home, and it lets you see what it takes to generate combat power, day after day, without shortcuts.”
He lauded the outgoing Honorary Commanders for their time, trust, and advocacy during the event. Along with commending those who contributed to the success of the program, he welcomed the 2026 inductees and provided a glimpse of what the future holds.
“To our incoming Honorary Commanders, welcome. You are joining us as we prepare for the B-21 Raider and the nuclear mission,” Lord said. “That transition will demand innovation, but it will demand something even rarer: flawless standards, consistent accountability, and the humility to fix what is broken before it breaks us.”
Headley is no stranger to military service. During his college career at South Dakota State University, he was active in Air Force ROTC, becoming the national commander of the Arnold Air Society, an honorary service organization for Air Force ROTC officer candidates. He also achieved the rank of cadet brigadier general, making him the highest-ranking Air Force cadet in the nation.
Headley went on to spend six years in the Air Force at the start of his career, including a stint at the National Reconnaissance Office, where at 28-years-old, he was directing a 200-member multi-agency government and industry team that was acquiring, launching, and operating a suite of intelligence satellite systems. He received a Defense Meritorious Service Medal for his service.
“I was humbled and honored to be nominated for this program at Ellsworth. I look forward to learning more about base operations and how we at SURF can continue to support the mission of the 28th Bomb Wing here in the Black Hills and all the men and women who serve in our nation’s defense,” Headley said.
The Honorary Commander program is designed to strengthen the relationship between the base and the surrounding community by exposing individuals to the mission through firsthand experiences. Area business and community leaders apply for the program by contacting the 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs office. Nominations are compiled, reviewed and submitted to the wing commander for consideration annually.
If selected, individuals are paired with a designated unit commander at the squadron, group, or wing level for a single two-year term to develop a better understanding of the base and its mission. Participants are routinely from small and large businesses, local city officials, chamber of commerce members, school staff, and others who, because of their position or influence in the community, have a lasting impact on public support for the base.
The 11 individuals selected for the 2026 program include:
- Caleb Arceneaux, LIV Hospitality CEO
- Capt. Zach Bader, South Dakota Highway Patrol
- Brian Bishop, Rapid City Regional Airport Deputy Director
- Daene Boomsma, Boom Construction Owner
- Ann Brentlinger, South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
- Mike Headley, Sanford Underground Research Facility
- Lt. Chris Holbrook, Rapid City Police Department
- Brian Pereira, Ketel Thorstensen
- Scott Reiman, First Interstate Bank Market President
- Matt Schmahl, West River Electric Association
- Brian Tande, SDSM&T President
