Lynne serves as Executive Director of Dakota BUSINESS Finance (DBF), the South Eastern Development Foundation (SEDF), and the South Eastern Council of Governments (SECOG).  Lynne has served as Director of SECOG since 2001 and led the organization's efforts to create the South Eastern Development Foundation and Dakota BUSINESS Finance.

Lynne is a Certified Economic and Housing Development Professional through the National Development Council.  She has a Bachelors degree in Business Administration from St. Leo College, St. Leo, FL and a Juris Doctorate Law Degree from the University of South Dakota.

As a Senior Loan Officer, Erik is responsible for marketing, underwriting, and packaging loans for Dakota BUSINESS Finance and the Southeastern Development Foundation. Erik received his Bachelor degree in Economics from South Dakota State University. Erik has been in commercial lending for over five years. 

As a Closing Officer, Barb is responsible for closing business loans financed through Dakota BUSINESS Finance and the South Eastern Development Foundation. Barb also has extensive knowledge of legal and title documents from her prior experience as a legal assistant and title agent.

Jim coordinates the transportation planning activities of the Sioux Falls Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). Prior to SECOG, Jim worked in state government in Pierre for 39 years. Jim graduated from South Dakota State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science and Minors in Economics and Mathematics.

Harley supports the planning efforts of SECOG’s member communities in Lincoln, Turner, and Union counties by assisting with the application and administration of grants and loans. Harley earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Oglala Lakota College.

Danielle supports the planning efforts of SECOG's member communities by assisting with the application and administration of grants and loans. Danielle is also responsible for marketing and coordinating events for Dakota BUSINESS Finance and SECOG.

Betty supports SECOG by maintaining accurate financial records and performing bookkeeping functions.

As a Loan Assistant, Darla provides administrative support for the SBA 504 Loan Program through Dakota BUSINESS Finance and the South Eastern Development Foundation Regional Revolving Loan Fund. Darla primarily assists Trisha Viss. Darla brings with her 14 years of banking experience in operations and loan servicing.

As a Servicing Analyst, LaJena is responsible for working with staff, lenders, and business owners to service business loans financed through Dakota BUSINESS Finance and the South Eastern Development Foundation. She is also responsible for liquidation and post-debenture purchase workouts. LaJena holds an Associate’s degree in Accounting from Southeast Technical Institute. She has extensive experience with the SBA 504 loan program. 

Sean supports the planning efforts of SECOG’s member communities in Clay, McCook, and Minnehaha counties by assisting with the creation of and amendments to municipal codes, zoning ordinances, and land subdivision regulations. Sean received his Bachelor of Secondary Education degree from Indiana University and Juris Doctor degree from the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Law.

As SECOG’s GIS Technician, Levi performs a variety of GIS tasks such as maintaining Geographic Information System (GIS) databases and providing GIS analysis and mapping services to all six of SECOG’s counties and the communities within those counties. Levi also supports the planning efforts of SECOG’s member communities in Lincoln, Turner, and Union counties by assisting with the creation of and amendments to municipal codes, zoning ordinances, and land subdivision regulations. Levi holds a master’s degree in Geography with a GIS Specialization from South Dakota State University, as well as a Bachelor's Degree in City, Community, and Regional Planning.

Sophie supports the planning efforts of SECOG’s member communities in Clay, McCook, and Minnehaha counties by assisting with the application and administration of grants and loans. Sophie earned a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of South Dakota and is currently a doctoral candidate at California Baptist University in the Public Administration program.

As a Loan Specialist, Lisa is responsible for underwriting and packaging loans for Dakota BUSINESS Finance and the South Eastern Development Foundation. Lisa is a graduate of Augustana University and previously worked as a Customer Service Representative at a local bank.

As a Loan Officer, Daniel is responsible for marketing, underwriting, and packaging loans for Dakota BUSINESS Finance and the South Eastern Development Foundation. Daniel received his Bachelor of Science degree in Agri-Business from South Dakota State University. Daniel had previously worked for 30 years in a community bank and is a licensed insurance agent and real estate broker. 

As a Closing Officer, Jenny is responsible for closing business loans financed through Dakota BUSINESS Finance and the South Eastern Development Foundation. Jenny holds an Associate’s degree in Financial Services from Southeast Technical Institute and brings with her over 21 years of banking experience.

Amanda is responsible for the administrative support of the staff of SECOG, Dakota BUSINESS Finance and the South Eastern Development Foundation.

As SECOG's Construction Manager, Dave oversees SEDF’s workforce housing construction projects which consists of the construction of Governor's Houses, moving and rehabilitation of “recycled” homes that would otherwise be demolished, and the acquisition and rehabilitation of existing dilapidated housing stock. 

As a Loan Assistant, Sydney provides administrative support for the SBA 504 Loan Program through Dakota BUSINESS Finance and the South Eastern Development Foundation Regional Revolving Loan Fund. Sydney primarily assists LaJena Gruis with servicing duties. Sydney recently graduated from Southeast Technical College with an Associate’s degree in Accounting.