Meet Eric

Eric Jennings is a lifelong rancher, educator, and public servant rooted in the Black Hills of South Dakota. He owns and operates a beef cattle ranch near Spearfish, where he and his wife, Michelle, live in the home where Eric was raised. The ranch spans portions of the Black Hills National Forest and along Spearfish Creek — land that has shaped both his livelihood and his values.

A graduate of South Dakota State University, Eric earned a degree in Agricultural Education and began his career teaching vocational agriculture in Lennox, South Dakota. After two years in the classroom, he returned home in 1988 to continue his family’s ranching legacy, bringing with him a strong belief in education, stewardship, and service.

Eric is a dedicated advocate for private property rights, responsible public grazing, and balanced land management practices that protect both working lands and ecological health. A lifelong learner, he has completed the South Dakota Agriculture and Rural Leadership Program and is trained as a Conflict Resolution facilitator, continually seeking thoughtful, practical solutions to complex challenges.

His commitment to leadership and community service spans local, state, and national organizations. Eric currently serves on:

Chairman of the Lawrence County Commission
Vice Chairman of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Ag & Food Policy Committee
South Dakota Historical Society Foundation
South Dakota Association of County Commissioners
Black Hills Multiple Use Coalition
Spearfish Rural Fire Protection District
Society of Black Hills Pioneers

He is also an active member of his local United Methodist Church and the Masonic Lodge.

Through ranching, education, and public service, Eric remains committed to strengthening his community, protecting South Dakota’s agricultural heritage, and ensuring responsible leadership for future generations.

"Eric exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated and effective public servant. As a Lawrence County Commissioner, he consistently comes to every meeting fully prepared, having thoroughly researched the issues at hand. He asks thoughtful questions and offers insightful perspectives that reflect both his expertise and his commitment to the community.Eric’s engagement extends well beyond county boundaries. He actively participates in the Black Hills District of County Commissioners and Elected Officials meetings and serves as Vice President of the South Dakota Association of County Commissioners, where he is also a valued member of the executive board. His leadership at the state level demonstrates his commitment to improving governance not just locally, but across South Dakota. In addition to his official duties, Eric remains deeply involved in civic life. He serves on numerous local government and community boards, including the Spearfish Rural Fire District Board of Directors, exemplifying his steadfast dedication to public service and community well-being. Through his preparation, engagement, and ongoing leadership, Eric has proven time and again that he is committed to serving both his county and the broader community with integrity, diligence, and vision."

- Randy Deibert, District 31 Senator

"Eric is a true leader and strong pillar of this community. We have always leaned on Eric when it comes to sensitive issues regarding this county or political issues. Eric is level headed and open-minded when looking at both sides. We strongly believe Eric always puts the best interest of the community and county over his personal gain. Eric has been a long time friend and a great mentor."

- Nate & Jayna Frederickson, Frederickson Ranch

"I have had the privilege of working with Eric on the Lawrence County Natural Resource Committee for the past few years. He takes his responsibility to represent the citizens of Lawrence County seriously and always approaches issues with integrity. Eric cares deeply about the county, its natural resources, and its future. He is a thoughtful leader whose judgment and perspective I respect and trust."

- Paul Pierson, Neiman