Mark Thorson

Board Member

Mark and his wife, Sharon, have been longtime residents of the Black Hills, living in both Rapid City and their current home in Piedmont. A proud Gulf War and Global War on Terror veteran, Mark retired from the Army National Guard after 25 years of service. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Nursing from Mount Marty College in 1995 and later obtained a Master’s degree in Nursing Education from the University of Phoenix. Both Mark and Sharon now serve fellow veterans as employees of the Fort Meade VA.

Passionate about dogs and their well-being, Mark and Sharon have volunteered with the Black Hills Dog Training Club as ring stewards for the annual AKC dog show. Mark previously served as president of Itty Bitty Agility Dogs (IBAD) and was involved with Happy Tails Dog Training Center in Rapid City. The couple has actively competed in dog agility events, with Mark believing that, no matter the outcome, "you always bring the champion home with you."

Mark's dedication to pet health became even more personal when he and Sharon cared for their beloved dog, Noel, who had idiopathic epilepsy. Through years of advocacy, he explored both traditional and homeopathic treatments to improve Noel’s quality of life. In her memory, Mark is honored to support Hobo’s Healing Heart and its mission to help pets in need.