Meet the Board | Hope House

Gayle Stahl

My name is Gayle Stahl. I am the Executive Director/President for Hope House. My husband and I live on a farm near Hithcock, SD and we have two children. In my free time I enjoy baking, reading, and napping. The Hope House has been a dream of mine for quite some time. I recognized a need in Huron after taking a Bible study into the Beadle County Jail. I met women that were suffering from addictions and did not have a safe place to go after being released from jail. God laid a sober living home on my heart and the rest is history. God called us to be servants and that includes serving and loving His people. It is my heart's desire to genuinely love people.

Deb Smith

My name is Deb Smith. I am a member of the board of directors for Hope House. I live in a small town close to Hope House. I have done many things from living in a third world country working with local government economic and social development, to running a small airline that serviced remote island atolls. My most recent venture was being a property manager. I am looking forward to the next adventure. I have five adult children (2 girls and 3 boys) and 10 grandchildren. I believe we all have a purpose in this life, and I have been blessed to be asked to join this dedicated group in helping women live a sober life. I work with the residents with anything financial. It is a very rewarding experience to walk with these women.

Brandi Griffith

My name is Brandi Griffith. I am a Board Member for Hope House. My husband and I live in the country just outside of Huron. We have three graduated children and three are still at home. This year we were blessed with our first grandchild. It has been blessing joining this board. It has given me the opportunity to share my experiences, strengths, and hopes with women, as I too am an addict in recovery. I have so much passion in helping those who suffer from this disease. What an honor I felt when Gayle asked me to join this team. In my free time I enjoy family. I love spending time with all my kiddos, camping or backyard fun. I also enjoy playing in the dirt with my flowers, indoors and outside.

Gene Miller

Gene grew up on a farm north of Iroquois, SD. After graduating from Iroquois High School in 1973, Gene pursued higher education in Huron, earning his degree in 1977. Shortly thereafter, he joined the Huron Police Department, where he dedicated 42 years of his life to serving and protecting others. During his distinguished career, Gene spent 28 years as a detective, handling a wide variety of cases with a focus on sex crimes. His commitment to justice and compassion for victims made him a respected figure in law enforcement. In 1980, Gene married Marcia, and together they raised two children, who have blessed them with four wonderful grandchildren. Now retired, Gene continues to give back to his community through his volunteer work with Hope House.

Raymond (Skip) McWethy

My name is Skip McWethy. I am a member of the board of directors for Hope House. My wife and I live in Huron. I have been involved in public service for the past 29 years. I have a passion for public service and have committed my entire career in doing so. I have served on several boards and committees at the local, county and state level serving both youth and adults in our community in several different facets over the years.

My wife Lisa and I have one son who is a RN at HRMC here in Huron. We have two granddaughters. We enjoy spending time with our son, daughter in-law and our grandchildren.

Amanda Field

My name is Amanda Field and I’ve lived in the area all my life. I love this community and am passionate about helping people in any way I can. I first heard Gayle speak of Hope House at a corporate staff meeting and was immediately drawn to help. While first organizing some volunteer opportunities, I have since been blessed with being asked to join the board. I could not tell you how excited and grateful I am for the opportunity to help these women and men.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two children, reading books and playing cozy video games. I have recently gotten the traveling bug while visiting family in England and seeing Paris and am looking forward to more trips in the future.

Mario Azar

My name is Mario Azar, and I’m honored to serve on the board of directors for Hope House. I live in Huron with my wife and teenage son, and we are proud to call this community home. After relocating from Southern California ten years ago, we quickly fell in love with Huron and have truly embraced South Dakota as our home.

I was born in Lebanon and immigrated to the United States with my family in the mid-1980s. We came in search of a better life, having lived through war and instability. I am grateful for the opportunities this great nation has given me and my family.

Professionally, I work in Information Technology as a Network and Systems Administrator for a fantastic organization. I genuinely enjoy the work I do and the team I’m privileged to be part of.

Beyond work, I stay active in our community by serving on the South Dakota BBQ Championships committee and competing as a KCBS BBQ competitor. I love cooking—especially homemade Lebanese dishes my family enjoys—and spending time with loved ones, gaming, and serving God.

I’m excited to begin this new journey as a board member for Hope House. I look forward to supporting the mission and helping make a difference in the lives of men in our Huron community.