Bella’s main governing body is a Board of Directors. The Board’s overall purpose is to set policy, establish goals and objectives, and provide oversight and direction to the Executive Director. Bella is incorporated as a 501 (c) 3 organization in the State of South Dakota and operates under its own set of bylaws. Bella’s bylaws allow for a minimum of three directors, up to a maximum of fifteen, with no more than two from the same church. This gives many churches the opportunity for representation on the board and establishes a broad base for Bella. Additional information on each director is presented below.
Eric Nies, President
Eric has lived in Spearfish for the past 14 years where he is a partner in the legal firm, Hood & Nies, P.C. Eric is married to Michelle and they are expecting their first baby in April 2009. The Nies family attends church at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Spearfish where Eric is active with the youth group. Eric’s hobbies include reading history and participating in outdoor activities. When asked about his reason for involvement with Bella, Eric stated, “I believe strongly in not just opposing abortion, but providing viable alternatives.” Eric has been an active member of the board of directors since June 2006.
Chad Harley, Vice-President
Chad Harley is married to Lisa and they have three children; Alan, Jenna, and Carsten. The Harleys have been residents of Spearfish for the past 20 years and are currently worshipping at Grace Fellowship, a new church in Spearfish. Chad’s job as President of Paintless Dent Repair keeps him very busy, especially during the summer months. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family, cooking, boating, and just about anything he can do with others. Chad recently stated, “It is my belief that all human life is precious for those who are born and for the unborn. For those who have no voice and are unable to defend themselves, we have a duty to protect. For those who are able to make choices, we have a responsibility to educate. These core beliefs are the reason I choose to serve, however humbly, our God through Bella.” Chad has been serving on the board of directors since January 2009.
Lyle Haak, Secretary/Treasurer
Hi, my name is Lyle Haak. I was born and raised on a dairy farm south of Strasburg, ND. I graduated from North Dakota State University with a Civil Engineering degree in 1972. I worked for the South Dakota Dept. of Transportation from 1972 until retirement in 2005. I have been self-employed/semi-retired since then. On May 29, 1970, Becky and I were married. We have 2 children, Ann Marie (VanderBoom) born in 1979 and Sara Renae (Snow) born in 1980. We have 3 grandchildren (Brisa, Elaina and Graham). Becky and I have worshipped at Summit Open Bible Church in Belle Fourche since 1982. Becky and I moved to Belle Fourche from Sisseton in late fall of 1978 and moved to Spearfish in 1985 in order for our children to attend Northern Hills Christian School. My hobbies are spending time with the grandkids, helping people, repairing things, travelling, and working in the yard. I’m involved with Bella because it’s a Very Good thing we do and because the Lord led me to Bella as an answer to prayer as to how I could help and do His will. (Lyle has served on the board of directors since June 2006.)
Shawn Marta, Member at Large
Shawn joined the Board of Directors in May, 2010. He lives in Spearfish with his wife, Christina and their three children, Vivian (6), Jensen (3) and Spencer (1). Shawn has a paint reconditioning business and owns Fish Window Cleaning. He and his family attend church at Countryside Community Church in Spearfish where Shawn is actively involved with Promise Land and is a small group leader. He attends Black Hills State University and loves to fish, hunt, and golf in his spare time.
Andy Anderson, Member at Large
Andy is the newest member of the board of directors. He pastors Emmanuel Baptist Church in Belle Fourche, is married to Cheryl and has three sons, Derek, Dustin and Levi. The Anderson family has been in the area for 25 years. Along with the pastorate in Belle Fourche for the past 16 years, Andy is self-employed. Andy enjoys spending time with family and friends and has a passion for reaching out to all people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He believes God has called him to Bella because of his heart to minister to women, men and children. Andy believes that life is precious to God, begins at conception and the unborn need a voice. Andy is also a Boy Scout leader. Two of his sons are Eagle Scouts and the third is near.
Roxie Johnson, Executive Director
Roxie Johnson is the Executive Director and is in charge of all the day-to-day activities at Bella. Roxie started at Bella in 1988 as a client advocate and became Executive Director in 1989. Roxie and her husband, John, have four grown children and seven grandchildren. Roxie’s spare time is spent with family activities, reading, sewing, and participating in Bible studies. Her commitment to Bella is evidenced in her hard work and determination to be an example of God’s love and wisdom to all she counsels and comes in contact with at Bella.
