Staff | South Dakota Democrats

Dan AhlersExecutive Director

Dan is a long-time member of the Dell Rapids community where he has been a small business owner for the past 20 years. He is an active community volunteer and organizer. Dan has been a board member of Kids Voting SD, the Carroll Institute, served as the President of the Haven Before and After School Program and the Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce. Dan currently serves as a member of the Dell Rapids Ambulance Board and President of the Dell Rapids Community Fund.

Dan served as a State Representative and Senator for District 25 in the SD State Legislator for six years. He was a member of the Commerce, Transportation, Retirement Laws, Tribal Relations and Appropriations Committee. Dan was selected to represent South Dakota at the Western Interstate Commission for High Education (WICHE) and was appointed by Governor Daugaard to the SD Mental Health Task Force. He was recognized locally by SD Voices for Children and Disabilities SD for his legislative work with children and people with disabilities. Additionally, Dan has been recognized nationally three times for his leadership as a BILLD, Henry Toll and SLLF Fellow.

Nicole GrayDeputy Executive Director

Nicole Gray is the Deputy Executive Director for the South Dakota Democratic Party.

In 2020, Nicole worked for the Montana Coordinated Campaign and Warren for President in Illinois as a Regional Organizing Director. Previously, they worked on campaigns in Iowa, Arizona, New Jersey, Kentucky, Maryland, and Michigan.

Nicole believes it’s important we use every tool in our toolbox to connect with Democrats and fight for a country that works for every single person in every corner of every state.

In their free time, Nicole enjoys watching trashy reality TV, hiking, collecting Halloween decorations, and going to the concerts that they couldn’t in their scene kid days.

Nicole graduated from American University with a degree in Political Science and Economics. Originally from Illinois, they live in Sioux Falls.

Aaron VlasmanPolitical Director

Aaron Vlasman is the Political Director for the South Dakota Democratic Party. Aaron got his start in politics in high school when he worked on an entirely youth ran campaign for State House in District 5. Since then, he has been involved across multiple levels of campaigning including as a field organizer for Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign in Iowa, managing a successful campaign for school board in Vermillion, and overseeing volunteers to petition for Medicaid expansion at the University of South Dakota.

Aaron also served two terms as the President of College Democrats of South Dakota. In this position, he raised funds, facilitated events, recruited young candidates, and increased membership at six colleges across the state.

In his free time, Aaron likes to stay active in the gym, enjoys the outdoors, and spends time with his friends and family

Aaron is a first-generation graduate from the University of South Dakota with degrees in Political Science and Criminal Justice.

Brandee BolmanNative Outreach Manager

Brandee Cheyne Bolman graduated from the University of South Dakota with a degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology. She is a Lakota and Hidatsa woman that was born and raised right here in South Dakota and is an enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. She loves spending time outdoors, listening to music, traveling, and spending time with family. She grew up on her family ranch which is nestled right next to the Missouri River. She is extremely proud of her heritage and plans to use her education in the service of others. Her goal is to graduate from USD law school.
Her time with the party has been spent traveling to all of the nine tribes of South Dakota to register people to vote and spread voter awareness and education