Senior Business Loan Officer for GROW South Dakota

Mark Nelson is a Senior Business Loan Officer for GROW South Dakota. GROW SD specializes in housing, community, and economic development. It is composed of three non-profit organizations and is a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).

Mark develops loan packaging for new and existing businesses in South Dakota. GROW SD uses financing tools such as direct loans and loan partnerships with banks.  GROW SD uses federal, state, and private sector financing sources such as the USDA – Rural Development, Small Business Administration, U.S. Treasury along with numerous other funding source. 

Mark has a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He has an Economic Development Financial Professional certificate from National Development Council. 

Tourism, Secretary

Jim Hagen has served as South Dakota’s Secretary of Tourism since 2011, leading the state’s tourism industry to record-breaking growth and national recognition. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic positioned South Dakota among the top three tourism-performing states, making it the first to fully recover to pre-pandemic spending levels. In 2024, the state welcomed 14.9 million visitors and surpassed $5 billion in visitor spending for the first time in history. The industry just recently set all-time records once again in 2025. Hagen has held key national leadership roles, including serving on the National Travel and Tourism Advisory Board and the executive board of the U.S. Travel Association. Under his direction, Travel South Dakota has earned numerous national awards, including for the “So Much South Dakota, So Little Time” campaign, the Corn Kid public relations initiative, and the Forever 605 stewardship program. Named National State Tourism Director of the Year in 2014 and honored with the Ben Black Elk Award in 2021, Hagen continues to champion the people, places, and stories that make South Dakota unforgettable.

MASABA, INC, President 

Mike Krajewski is President of Masaba, Inc., a Vermillion, South Dakota–based manufacturer serving the aggregates and material handling industries. He brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across manufacturing, engineering, sales, and operations, with a career spanning publicly traded companies, family-owned businesses, and private-equity-owned organizations. A graduate of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Mike holds an MBA in Strategic Management and a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. Since joining Masaba in 2022, he has led a significant turnaround focused on leadership development, operational discipline, and scalable growth – nearly doubling revenue while strengthening company culture and workforce engagement. Mike has extensive experience addressing workforce challenges through collaboration, process improvement, and innovative organizational design. 

ASTEC, Senion Manager – Human Resources 

Carisa Cuka is a Senior Manager of Human Resources for Astec Industries, based in Yankton, SD. With over 10 years of human resources experience in the manufacturing industry, Carisa specializes in talent management, employee engagement, and organizational development. She holds an AAS in Human Resources Management and is a SHRM‑CP credentialed professional. Carisa plays a key role in driving strategic HR initiatives, supporting workforce planning, and fostering a positive workplace culture. Known for collaboration and attention to detail, she partners closely with cross‑functional teams to ensure alignment with business goals and employee success. She is honored to have been invited to participate on a panel with fellow local leaders and is excited to celebrate shared achievements and continue the conversation on economic development for Yankton and for South Dakota. 

Human Resources, L& M Radiator

Katy Schlimgen is a Human Resources Manager at L&M Radiator, A Wabtec Company with over two years of experience in HR, specializing in employee relations, recruitment, and supporting organizational development. Her previous roles in the courthouse and counseling have strengthened her skills in communication, conflict resolution, and confidentiality. She is passionate about creating positive work environments and helping employees feel supported and empowered to succeed. 

Yankton Thrive, CEO 

Nancy Wenande has been the CEO of Yankton Thrive since 2018, where she leads efforts focused on workforce development, business growth, tourism, and economic development community partnerships.  Prior to her current role, Nancy owned and operated a small business for over 15 years, served as an elected City Commissioner for nine years and managed international archery events for the NFAA Easton Yankton Archery Center.  As a wife and mother of 3 adult children, she thrives on a busy schedule while still finding time to enjoy jigsaw puzzles and playing cards. 

DLR, Business Services Specialist 

Julie Dykstra is a Business Services Specialist with the South Dakota Department of Labor, helping Yankton-area businesses meet workforce needs and connect job seekers with opportunities. With 36 years of experience in workforce development, financial services, and nonprofit leadership, she is passionate about collaboration and strengthening her community. 

DLR, Workforce Programs Administrator

Taunya Charlton is the Workforce Programs Administrator for the South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation (DLR), where she provides statewide leadership and strategic direction for Employment and Business Services and several federal employer-focused programs. She oversees workforce policy, program strategy, and modernization efforts that strengthen how South Dakota businesses connect with talent, while providing leadership to the Business Services team that works directly with employers and local partners. Her experience aligning public workforce systems with business and economic development priorities supports collaborative workforce strategies that benefit employers, communities, and job seekers. 

Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Development Rep.

Laure Swanson has served as the Northeast Region Development Representative for the South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development since 2022. In this role, Laure works to strengthen South Dakota’s economic development ecosystem by building strategic connections between local development organizations, community leaders, and statewide partners. Her focus is on fostering collaboration and creating business opportunities that position South Dakota for sustainable growth and success for future generations. 

Laure earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Northern State University and has extensive experience in both the private and public sectors. She is a former business owner and has held leadership roles in for-profit and non-profit organizations. Her commitment to community development is evident through her two elected terms on the Aberdeen City Council and years of service on numerous volunteer boards. 

Laure and her husband, Dirk, live in Aberdeen. They are proud parents of two grown children and grandparents to two grandchildren. 

Director, Legacy Consulting

“Keep Farmers Farming”  (A Division of the SD Ag Foundation) 

 Alan Hojer is the Director of Legacy Consultant for Keep Farmers Farming (KFF), a division of the South Dakota Ag Foundation (SDAF).  Having run the program for over eleven years, Hojer and the KFF program transitioned to SDAF on January 1, 2025 where he continues to focus on the estate planing and gerneration transition challenges that are facing our farmers and ranchers across South Dakota.  As a Certified Estate Planner, Alan brings a wealth of knowledge on marketing and risk management, farm labor development and recruitment, and best financial business practicies. 

After graduation from South Dakota State University in 1981, Alan joined Land O’ Lakes as a Sales Manager for Milk Procument for South Dakota and parts of Iowa and Minnesota. His chance to return  to the family farm presented itself in 1989.  In 1994, Alan and his wife Pam decided to start Hojer Gelbvieh Ranch.  Starting with 10 cows and $25,000, they have survived the tests of mother nature, a catastrophic fire, and other challenges that many first generation family operations experience.  Alan attributes the success of their operation to hard work, but also to “thinking non-traditionally” when times were tough. Of all of Alan’s accomplishments, navigating through those difficulties has been the most challenging and rewarding experience of his professional career. 

 Today, Hojer Ranch LLC consists of 450 registered Gelbvieh, Balancer and Angus females, and  a 1,000 head feedlot with base operations at Lake Preston and Miller, SD.  The operation is currently run by Alan and Pam’s son Blake, along with his wife Jennifer.  Other family include their daughter Nikki Kroupa (Micheal) from Kimball and son Christian (Jessica) of Miller.  They are also blessed with nine grandsons and five grandduaghters.  

 Alan is a proud Alumni of SDARL Class VII. 

 Some of his hobbies are hunting, being activly involved in the local community but most of all his newest hobby is whatever the grandchildren wish to do!  Amen! 

USDA Rural Development SD, Deputy State Director

Dana Kleinsasser is currently the Deputy State Director for USDA Rural Development in South Dakota.   She has worked for both USDA Rural Development and USDA Farm Service Agency during her 30+ year career.   Past positions include Branch Chief for Single Family Housing Guaranteed, Program Director for Rural Business & Cooperative Programs, Loan Specialist & Technician and Farm Loan Officer.   She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration.   

Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Development Rep.

Curtis Egan serves as a Development Representative with the South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development, focusing on the Southeast Region of South Dakota. His industry expertise spans Agriculture, including Value-Added Ag, Livestock Development, and Precision Ag. 

Born and raised in Pierre, South Dakota, Curtis brings a unique perspective to agricultural development—despite not growing up on a farm or ranch, he has developed a deep appreciation for the role producers and ag businesses play in driving South Dakota’s economy. . 

Curtis has been with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development for nearly 5.93years, building relationships and supporting initiatives that drive growth across the state. Outside of work, Curtis enjoys family life with his wife and their 18-month-old son, who is a big fan of whole milk. cheese sticks, and any form of beef, pork and chicken like his dad. 

State Director, Jobs for America’s Graduates–South Dakota (JAG-SD), SD Department of Education

Beth is the State Director of Jobs for America’s Graduates–South Dakota (JAG-SD), a statewide workforce program focused on helping students graduate from high school and successfully transition into employment, enlistment, or postsecondary training. She oversees program management and data-driven implementation, fundraising, contracts, employer engagement, and statewide events connecting youth with South Dakota’s workforce needs. Schneider lives in Mitchell, South Dakota, and previously worked at Mitchell Technical College. She holds advanced degrees in education and curriculum leadership and brings both academic and practical experience to youth workforce development. A former over-the-road commercial truck driver, she also teaches basic rider motorcycle training, reinforcing her commitment to applied, skills-based career pathways. 

Dean of the College of Education and Human Performance and the Director of Teacher Apprenticeships at Dakota State University

David De Jong, Ed.D., serves as the Dean of the College of Education and Human Performance and the Director of Teacher Apprenticeships at Dakota State University. Previously, he held the position of Associate Professor and Chair of the Division of Educational Leadership at the University of South Dakota. He has taught graduate online and hybrid courses and has chaired numerous doctoral dissertation committees. Additionally, he has published 36 peer-reviewed journal articles with a research agenda that focuses on technology, innovation, and simulations. He is the former President of the International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership, a prominent organization for educational leadership professors. His experience encompasses roles as a teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent. Currently, he is involved in the South Dakota Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway, the South Dakota Paraprofessional Apprenticeship Pathway, the South Dakota Cyber Apprenticeship Pathway, and leading regional artificial intelligence training.

Vocational Rehabilitation Transition Specialist, SD Department of Human Services 

 In her role, Katie works closely with VR counselors across the state to ensure they have the training, resources, and tools needed to deliver high-quality Pre-Employment Transition Services.  With a strong commitment to supporting students with disabilities, Katie helps guide statewide practices that promote successful transitions from school to employment, empowering young people to build meaningful, independent futures. 

Youth Labor Program Specialist, Career Launch, SD Department of Labor and Regulation

 Kaitlin provides statewide leadership and oversight for Career Launch a workforce program dedicated to supporting youth who face barriers to employment. Kaitlin interprets and develops policy grounded in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), provides strategic direction to program operations, delivers training to frontline staff who work directly with youth, and works with partners to determine how to serve their shared customer. 

 Kaitlin is driven to ensure young people understand there are many pathways into the workforce. She is passionate about empowering youth to explore multiple opportunities and helping them recognize the skills, strengths, and value they bring to any future employer. 

Workforce Development Director, SD Department of Labor and Regulation

As Director of Workforce Development for the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, Kendra leads efforts to design and implement innovative training programs that respond to the needs of both employers and job seekers. Her work focuses on building partnerships that bridge gaps and create opportunities for individuals to engage in the workforce and contribute to their community. With a foundation in human services and workforce development, Kendra believes work is far more than a paycheck—it is a source of meaning, identity, and connection. 

Head Consul of Mexico

She holds a B.A in International Relations from the UNAM (National Autonomous University of Mexico). Joined the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1985 and is a career diplomat. In 2006 she was promoted as a career Ambassador. 

She has served as Ambassador of Mexico in Panama (2011-2015); Consul General of Mexico in Milan, Italy (2009-2010) and Consul General of Mexico in Sacramento, California (2004-2009). In the Embassy of Mexico in Italy she served as Attaché for Economic Affairs (1993-2000) as well as in the Consulate General of Mexico in Los Angeles (2000-2004). 

At the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs she worked as Analyst and Chief of Department at the Direction General for Africa, Asia and the Middle East (1985-1990); Chief of Department at the Direction General for the Pacific (1990-1993), and Chief of Staff at the General Direction for the Pacific and at in General Direction for Consular Affairs (1993). She held the positions of Special Advisor at the Undersecretary for Latin America and the Caribbean (2015); Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs (2015-20016); Deputy Director General for Foreign Missions at the General Direction for Protocol (2016-2018), and Special Advisor in the Financial Administration Unit (2018-2019). 

Ambassador Alejandra Bologna was Consul General of Mexico in San Jose with active functions in the counties of Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey from 2019 to 2025. Since August 18, 2025, Ambassador Alejandra Bologna has served as the Head Consul of the Consulate of Mexico in Saint Paul with active functions in Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota and 19 counties of Wisconsin. 

Consul General of Canada

Beth Richardson was appointed Consul General of Canada in Minneapolis in August 2023. As Canada’s Consul General in the Upper Midwest, Ms. Richardson works with a team of 17 Consulate staff to strengthen trade and economic ties; reinforce our security alliances; enhance political, academic and cultural links; and assist Canadians visiting or living in Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. 

Beth Richardson joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (Global Affairs Canada) in 1996, where she has worked in in the Eastern Europe and Eurasia Division, on the Afghanistan Task Force and at the Canadian International Development Agency. Her assignments abroad include Seoul, London, Moscow, Miami and Vilnius, Lithuania. 

Associate Director of Education and Programs, Department of Corrections  

Angela Smith has been with the State of South Dakota for 12 years.  She graduated with a degree in Education from the University of South Dakota in 2013.  After graduating,  she worked at the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation under the Attorney Generals Office. She went from processing criminal background checks to supervising the Criminal History and Sex Offender Registry division of the DCI.  She joined DOC in August 2022 as the Associate Director of Education & Programs.  In this position, she oversees GED instruction and curriculum, manages partnerships with other state agencies including Department of Labor and Board of Regents, establishes higher education opportunities for offenders with state colleges, and implements reentry-focused programming facilitated across the DOC.  She is on the Council of Directors for the national Correctional Education Association, and serves as chair of the Program Advisory Committee within SD DOC.

Dean of Curriculum and Instruction, Southeast Technical College

Jason Merritt is the Dean of Curriculum and Instruction for the trades programs at Southeast Technical College. He started at Southeast Tech in 2013 as an Automotive Technology instructor, later becoming the department chair and then dean.   

He started his career with an associate degree in Automotive Technology in 1991. In 2000, after working as a technician, he began his career in education, first at Riverland Community college in Albert Lea, Minn., and then STC. In 2019, he transitioned to a leadership role as department chair for Trades programs. Jason completed a Bachelor’s degree in Adult Career Education in 2019. In 2022, he became Southeast Tech’s Dean of Curriculum and Instruction for Trades programs. Trades programs at STC include Transportation programs (Automotive Technology, Collision Repair and Refinish Technology, Diesel Technology and CDL), Construction =programs (Electrician, Plumbing, HVACR, Construction Management and Welding), Veterinary Technician, Horticulture and Sports Turf Management.  

Jason’s professional passions include providing quality and meaningful education opportunities that lead to rewarding careers, and collaboration and continuous improvement of those opportunities.  

Jason has an Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology, Bachelor of Science in Adult Career Education, ASE: Master Automotive, Advanced Engine Performance  

Department of Correction GED® Instructor 

Meghan Mordhorst Mack has been an educator for 17 years. She holds a MA in English from the University of South Dakota. Meghan did her student teaching at a middle school, but her professional focus has been on adult learners. At a collegiate level, she was the associate director of USD’s Writing Center and taught Business Writing and English 101. In the community, she worked with ESL and civics students at the Community Learning Center of the Black Hills. In corrections, she has taught social skills classes like MRT and all subjects of the GED test at the minimum security prison in Rapid City. She currently manages the GED program accountability metrics that are required for the DOC’s state/federal funding partnership, teaches all levels of math, and helps train new teachers.  

Labor Program Specialist, SD Department of Labor and Regulation  

McKenzie Medley is a SD Department of Labor, Labor Program Specialist based in Rapid City, SD where she supports workforce development initiatives, ensures compliance with labor programs, and collaborates with stakeholders to improve employment outcomes. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in sociology from the University of Wyoming. McKenzie helps to develop program administration, policy implementation, and partner engagement to advance workforce opportunities for workers and employers.  

Department of Corrections

Christine Hickox-Keisel holds a Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology from the University of Denver and brings over 17 years of experience in the corrections field. Her career spans diverse roles, including 11 years of case management with the Colorado Department of Corrections and Senate Bill-94, where she earned statewide recognition as Senate Bill-94 Case Manager of the Year in 2013. 

In addition to her extensive corrections background, Christine has three years of experience in mental health counseling and currently serves as a Reentry Coach, a role she has held for the past three years. Her expertise lies in supporting successful reintegration, reducing recidivism, and fostering positive outcomes for justice-involved individuals. Christine’s commitment to evidence-based practices and individualized support underscores her dedication to public safety and rehabilitation. 

Christine Hickox-Keisel holds a Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology from the University of Denver and brings over 17 years of experience in the corrections field. Her career spans diverse roles, including 11 years of case management with the Colorado Department of Corrections and Senate Bill-94, where she earned statewide recognition as Senate Bill-94 Case Manager of the Year in 2013. 

In addition to her extensive corrections background, Christine has three years of experience in mental health counseling and currently serves as a Reentry Coach, a role she has held for the past three years. Her expertise lies in supporting successful reintegration, reducing recidivism, and fostering positive outcomes for justice-involved individuals. Christine’s commitment to evidence-based practices and individualized support underscores her dedication to public safety and rehabilitation. 

Irish Politician

Aindrias Moynihan is an Irish politician who has served as a Teachta Dála (TD) for the Cork North West constituency since his election in 2016. Prior to entering national politics, he represented the Blarney–Macroom local electoral area on Cork County Council from 2003 to 2016. Moynihan was re‑elected to the Dáil in the 2024 general election and currently serves as the appointed Cathaoirleach of the Committee on Agriculture and Food. 

Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Secretary 

Hunter Roberts serves as Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR). Hunter began his career in public service with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development in 2007 as the Assistant State Energy Director and soon after transitioned to the Energy Policy Director where he led the state’s efforts to promote business development in power generation, energy production and clean energy manufacturing until the end of 2014. 

Hunter then went on to serve as a policy advisor to Governor Dennis Daugaard for four years. In this role, he oversaw issues related to transportation, agriculture, energy, environment, land management, and outdoor resources. Most recently, Hunter served as the deputy secretary and director of labor and management at the Department of Labor and Regulation. 

Through service, communication, collaboration, and hard work, Hunter strives to lead by example and truly believes in the power of a “can-do” attitude. 

Roberts holds a master’s degree in business administration and a juris doctorate of law from the University of South Dakota. 

Hunter resides in Pierre with his two children. With his family, he owns and operates a farm and ranch southeast of Ft. Pierre. 

SD Trade President & CEO 

Jesse Fonkert serves as President & CEO of South Dakota Trade, the state’s premier international trade organization. In this role as chief diplomat, he leads efforts to expand global market access for South Dakota’s agricultural producers and businesses while strengthening international partnerships that advance the state’s economic interests.  

 Prior to South Dakota Trade, Jesse served as Deputy Commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, where he acted as both Chief Operations Officer and Chief Strategy Officer. His leadership helped drive statewide economic development priorities under Governors Kristi Noem and Larry Rhoden resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars of capital investment in the state and national recognition for South Dakota.   

Jesse is widely recognized for revitalizing regional economic development efforts in southeast South Dakota. As President & CEO of the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance from 2020 to 2023, he led a successful merger of regional organizations, supported over $80 million in capital investments, and initiated critical infrastructure efforts, including wastewater regionalization and industrial park expansion.  

 In 2023, Jesse was honored with the Governor’s Excellence in Economic Development Award, recognizing his long-standing commitment to advancing South Dakota’s communities. A connector at heart, he is known for building effective public-private partnerships and fostering consensus to deliver long-term results.  

 A Hartford resident, Jesse earned his B.A. in Business Administration and Government/International Affairs from Augustana University (SD). He is a graduate of Leadership South Dakota, Leadership Sioux Falls, and the Heartland Economic Development Course. Most importantly, Jesse enjoys walking through life with wife, Kelsey. He is blessed with three beautiful girls and a Boykin Spaniel. 

Strategist, Author & Speaker

Bradley Schurman is a demographic strategist, author, and speaker focused on the future of people and place. He’s the author of The Super Age: Decoding Our Demographic Destiny (Harper Business) and the forthcoming The Geography of Prosperity: A New Map of the American Dream (MIT Press, 2027). Bradley advises governments, Fortune 500 companies, and global institutions on how population change—declining birthrates, aging, migration, and technology—will reshape labor markets, consumer behavior, and economic growth. He’s the founder of Human Change and the publisher of Population Next—a newsletter and podcast—where he helps leaders make sense of what’s coming—and what to do about it.

Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Director of Development

Adam Molseed serves as the Director of Development for the South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), where he leads the agency’s Development Team and works to support business growth and investment across the state. With over nine years at GOED, Adam has held multiple roles focused on advancing South Dakota’s economy through strategic partnerships and industry development. 

A graduate of South Dakota State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Economics and Political Science, Adam has dedicated his career to public service, previously holding positions with the Department of Transportation, Department of Labor and Regulation, and Department of Revenue. He resides in Sioux Falls. 

Adam also serves on several boards, including the Workforce Development Council, Manufacturing Technology & Solutions, Heartland Board of Economic Development, the Challenger Learning Center of South Dakota Industry Advisory Board, and the South Dakota State Employee Organization. 

Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Development Representative

Sheldon Jensen has been a Development Representative with the South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development since July 2025. He currently supports businesses and communities in the Southeast South Dakota service area. He manages various attraction, expansion, and retention projects for businesses throughout the state. In his role, Sheldon also serves as GOED’s lead for the Bioscience Industry. 

Prior to working with SD GOED, Sheldon served as the Community and Economic Development Director for the City of Dell Rapids, SD, and an Economic Development Manager with the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance. During this time, Sheldon served on the Southeast South Dakota Tourism Board of Directors and was a Bob Ady Scholar with the Mid-American Economic Development Council. 

Sheldon holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Government and Economics from Augustana University. Sheldon is actively enrolled in the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute and pursuing a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation. Sheldon was honored as a member of the Sioux Falls Business “30 under 30” in 2025 and he is a proud Eagle Scout.

South Dakota Public Utilities 

Kristie Fiegen currently serves as vice chairperson of the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission. She was appointed to the PUC by Gov. Dennis Daugaard on Aug. 9, 2011, to fill a vacancy on the commission. Kristie was then elected to the commission in November 2012. She was re-elected in 2018 and 2024. She is vice chair of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners’ Committee on Gas and a member of the Subcommittee on Pipeline Safety. Kristie holds leadership positions in the Southwest Power Pool including serving as the past president and current member of the Regional State Committee and current chairperson of the Resource and Energy Assurance Leadership Team, Regional Allocation Review Task Force, and the Improved Resource Availability Task Force, and is a member of the RSC Nominating Committee, Markets+ State Committee and the SPP-RSC Liaison Committee.

Geronimo Power, Senior Director of Project Development

Jay Hesse is a Senior Director of Project Development at Geronimo Power. He leads development teams and oversees project management, community relations, and real estate development activities to advance projects responsibly through the development process.  He leads project development activities on Powered Data Parks and utility‑scale solar, wind energy, and storage projects.

With more than 15 years at Geronimo Power, Jay has played a critical role in power and large‑scale infrastructure projects across the ERCOT, SPP, and MISO markets, including work in North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Minnesota.

Outside of work, Jay enjoys time with his family and friends at a lake and watching kids in their favorite activities. He lives in Kindred, North Dakota.

Easter Rive Electric Power Cooperative, Chief Member and Public Relations

Chris Studer serves as the Chief Member and Public Relations Officer for East River Electric Power Cooperative, a wholesale power supplier to 24 distribution cooperative distribution systems and one municipal electric system located throughout eastern South Dakota and parts of western Minnesota.  

Studer has been with the cooperative since 2013 and leads the cooperative’s Member Services Division consisting of internal and external communications, marketing, strategic planning, and government relations. He recently served as Interim Executive Director for the Mid-West Electric Consumers Association, a regional hydropower advocacy organization with 300 member utilities in 9 states. 

 Prior to working for East River Electric, Studer worked in communications, marketing and government affairs for a statewide agriculture organization. He previously worked as a news reporter and anchor for a Sioux Falls television station.  

 A native of Brainerd, Minnesota, Studer graduated from South Dakota State University with degrees in mass communication and political science. 

Northwestern Energy, Vice President, Asset Management and Business Development

Bleau LaFave was named vice president of asset management and business development of NorthWestern Energy on June 14, 2023. He currently oversees the management and planning of distribution gas and electric assets and energy supply planning. His duties also include project development, project management, and business development for the gas, electric, and supply operations. Previously, as the director of long-term development, his responsibilities included overseeing the long- term energy supply growth strategies for NorthWestern, including large project development and acquisitions.

Bleau shares his leadership experience as a member of the member board committee of Southwest Power Pool. He also served 17 years on the South Dakota One Call Board including two years as board chair and six years on the Southwest Power Pool market and operations policy committee.

LaFave holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in 1994. He joined NorthWestern Energy as a project engineer and has served in many operations and administration functions with a focus on operations management, procurement, logistics, contracts, fleet, facilities, utility engineering, measurement, and customer service.

Designsensory, VP, Media & Communications 

“What if we just…?” That’s how most conversations with Hunter start, so let’s get that out of the way. A University of Tennessee grad and homegrown talent, he joined Designsensory early and built our social media department from the ground up. A true collaborator, he blends strategy, performance and storytelling to make brands shine. Always balancing the cutting-edge with the classic, you’ll find him with the latest tech in one hand and a vintage film camera in the other. 

Designsensory, Manager, Strategy & Account Planning 

Curious to his core, Ryan obsesses over the “why?”—from message craft to brand strategy. With a B.A. in advertising and an M.A. in brand/media strategy from ETSU, he’s an award-winning copywriter and strategist. His master’s thesis on presidential speech messaging earned top honors. When not optimizing brands, he’s sipping budget bourbon, exploring South Knoxville, or binging Stuff You Should Know. 

Designsensory, Chief Creative Officer, Co-CEO 

Joseph leads teams in solving complex challenges through strategy, design, and tech. His work spans global brands and has earned accolades from AIGA, AAF, Emmys®, and more. He co-founded PopFizz, producing award-winning branded content, including Tennessee Valley Uncharted. A past AIGA Knoxville president and Hall of Fame inductee, he continues shaping the creative landscape through leadership and storytelling. 

Tasha Hodges, PhD, EIT -Scull Construction, Inc

Tasha Hodges is a researcher and workforce development leader dedicated to bridging the gap between academic innovation and technical expertise. Her work centers on designing programs that empower individuals to master high-demand skills while cultivating the leadership necessary to thrive in the modern workforce. Notably, Tasha has played a key role in developing Scull University, an initiative that integrates construction apprenticeships, advanced leadership programs and applied technical training. Driven by a commitment to excellence, collaboration and community impact, she continues to champion projects that enhance safety, efficiency and innovation across the construction sector. 

Executive Director, Lake Francis Case Economic Development   

Sheena Larsen is the Executive Director of the Lake Francis Case Economic Development Corporation, a role she assumed full-time in 2024. Sheena leads efforts to support business growth, workforce development, and community vitality in the Chamberlain-Oacoma area. LFCDC serves as the sponsor of apprenticeship programs, providing direct support to local small businesses, employees, and working with the Start Today SD team. Sheena is actively working to expand these programs to strengthen the local workforce and create new career pathways. 

Professional Academic Advisor, Dakota State University 

Addie Borah serves as the Professional Academic Advisor for the College of Education and Human Performance at DSU. She’s been in this role for the last 7 years and has worked in higher education since 2006. Addie works with all students entering the college on registration, program mapping, and retention. She most enjoys getting to know each individual student’s story while helping them realize their potential and reach their educational goals. She lives in Brookings with her husband Jeff and their 3 children. 

Tara Bartekoske leads the Start Today SD Apprenticeship Program, providing statewide vision, strategic direction, and oversight of a team supporting Registered Apprenticeship across South Dakota. Under her leadership, the program has grown to double the number of active apprenticeship programs and active apprentices. She played a key role in launching South Dakota’s Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway, which earned both the Governor’s Award of Excellence for Innovation and the NASWA Pinnacle Award for Business Development. She is deeply passionate about expanding high-quality, work-based learning opportunities that empower individuals, strengthen businesses, and build resilient communities across South Dakota.