Lynne serves as Executive Director of Dakota BUSINESS Finance, the South Eastern Development Foundation, 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.

SBA 504 Loan Financing (Dakota BUSINESS Finance), SEDF Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund

Jessica is a Certified Economic Development Finance Professional through the National Development Council. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management degree from St. Cloud State University, a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics degree from the University of North Dakota and Master of Business Administration degree from the University of South Dakota.

Land Use Planning and Zoning

Patrick supports the planning efforts of SECOG’s member communities by assisting with the creation of and amendments to municipal codes, zoning ordinances, and land subdivision regulations. He graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Urban and Regional Planning and went on to earn a Juris Doctorate from the University of Nebraska College of Law.

Geographic Information Systems Services, Land Use Planning and Zoning

Kristen provides GIS and land use planning and support to a number of projects across SECOG’s six counties.

Kristen graduated from Bemidji State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography/GIS and went on to earn a Master of Arts in Geography/Community Development from the University of North Dakota. Before coming to SECOG, she was a contract employee working in GIS and Remote Sensing for the United States Geological Survey in North Dakota.

SBA 504 Loan Financing (Dakota BUSINESS Finance), SEDF Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund

EDA Cares Act counseling for businesses in SECOG’s region

David Eiesland holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business from South Dakota State University. He is also a graduate of the ABA Commercial Lending Graduate School. He comes into this current position backed by 46 years of banking and business consulting experience.

Transportation Planning, Metropolitan Planning Organization, Mobility Management,  Drive To Help, Transit Travel Training

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 with his last position as the Director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Division of Financial and Technical Assistance.

Jim graduated from South Dakota State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science and Minors in Economics and Mathematics.

SBA 504 Loan Financing (Dakota BUSINESS Finance), SEDF Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund.

LaJena holds an Associates in Accounting from Southeastern Technical Institute. She has extensive experience with the SBA 504 loan program. LaJena started with SECOG in April 2021. 

Primarily responsible for the administrative support of the staff of SECOG, the SBA 504 loan program through Dakota BUSINESS Finance and the South Eastern Development Foundation’s regional revolving loan fund.

SECOG Community Project Funding

Leslie supports the planning efforts of SECOG member communities by preparing grant and loan applications and providing administrative assistance for rural and economic development programs. She also supports SECOG and SEDF’s affordable housing work.

Leslie has over 30 years of experience in the field of community development in the private , nonprofit and municipal sectors. Leslie earned her Master of Business Administration from Columbia College of Missouri and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Columbia College of Missouri.

SBA 504 Loan Financing (Dakota BUSINESS Finance), SEDF Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund.

SBA 504 Loan Financing (Dakota BUSINESS Finance), SEDF Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund.

Dan received his Bachelor of Science degree in Agri-Business from South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD.  Daniel has worked the last 30 years in a community bank and is a licensed insurance agent and real estate broker. 

SBA 504 Loan Financing (Dakota BUSINESS Finance), SEDF Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund.

Jenny holds an Associates degree in Financial Services from Southeastern Technical Institute.

As SECOG's Construction Manager, Dave oversees the construction and finishing of the SEDF developed Governor's Houses and has managed the moving and rehabbing of existing homes in the Sioux Falls area to remove them from high flood risk areas.

SBA 504 Loan Financing (Dakota BUSINESS Finance), SEDF Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund

Trisha is a Certified Economic Development Finance Professional through the National Development Council. She earned a Bachelor degree in business administration with concentrations in finance and marketing from Northwestern College and Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Sioux Falls.

SBA 504 Loan Financing (Dakota BUSINESS Finance), SEDF Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund.