Our Team

President - Dean Faust

Dean is an attorney, and has practiced law in Rapid City, SD for the past 20 years. Dean received his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and Philosophy, Master of Arts degree in Government, and JD degree from University of South Dakota. In his spare time Dean enjoys cave exploration and mapping, photography, and hiking.

Vice President -Adam Weaver

Adam is a project caver, focusing on many of the large projects in the western United States. He is an expedition leader in both Jewel and Wind Caves, with substantial work in Lechuguilla and Ft. Stanton caves, among others. Adam holds an M.S. in Natural Resource Stewardship from Colorado State University and works at the Black Hills Institute of Geological Research.

Secretary/Treasurer - Rene Ohms

Rene has been an active expedition caver for more than 20 years and is an instructor for the National Cave Rescue Commission (NCRC). Rene graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in Biology and worked for the National Park Service for 25 years. In 2020, she received the NSS Lew Bicking Award, the lifetime achievement award for cave exploration in the United States.

Dr. Hazel Barton

Dr. Barton is a Loper Endowed Professor of Geological Sciences at the University of Alabama. Her research is geared toward understanding microbial interactions
and adaptations to starvation in cave environments. Dr. Barton began caving in 1986, and is an active explorer in South Dakota’s Wind Cave. In 2020, Dr. Barton received the NSS Science Award, and in 2025 she received the NSS Lew Bicking Award.

Dave Springhetti

Dave has been a cave explorer since the 1970s, is a life member of the NSS, and was a long-time officer of the Paha Sapa Grotto. His relationships with cavers and landowners alike have been the lifeblood of the BHCNC. Among his many caving feats, he was instrumental in the exploration of Great Expectations Cave in Wyoming, as well as its eventual inclusion as an NSS Nature Preserve.

Ken Steinken

Ken is a retired teacher and long-term director of the Trinity Eco-Prayer Park in downtown Rapid City. He has been caving for over 20 years, and led cave tours professionally at Jewel Cave for many seasons. Ken serves as BHCNC’s Preserve Vision Coordinator, and is responsible for guiding us forward toward new projects and planning our fundraising efforts.

Chris Pelczarski

Chris is a dedicated Black Hills caver, known for his bold exploration of some of the world’s longest caves. He served as the chairman of the Paha Sapa Grotto for 8 years. Chris recently started his own business, Inner Earth Breathwork, and teaches breathwork classes throughout the Black Hills and online. Some of his breathwork experiences are even offered underground.