Staff
Staff
Lynne Keller ForbesPresident & CEO
lynne@secog.org
605-681-8172
Lynne serves as the President and CEO of Dakota BUSINESS Finance (DBF), the South Eastern Development Foundation (SEDF), and the South Eastern Council of Governments (SECOG). Lynne has served as the President & CEO 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 Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from St. Leo College in St. Leo, FL, and a Juris Doctorate Law Degree from the University of South Dakota.
Erik BarnesSVP, Senior Loan Officer
erik@dakotabusinessfinance.com
605-681-8122
As a Senior Vice President and Senior Loan Officer, Erik is responsible for marketing, underwriting, and packaging loans for the SBA 504 Loan Program through Dakota BUSINESS Finance and the South Eastern Development Foundation Regional Revolving Loan Fund.
Erik received his Bachelor degree in Economics from South Dakota State University. Erik has been in commercial lending for over five years.
Barb BergClosing Manager
barb@secog.org
605-681-8034
As a Closing Manager, Barb is responsible for closing business loans financed by the SBA 504 Loan Program through Dakota BUSINESS Finance and the South Eastern Development Foundation Regional Revolving Loan Fund.
Barb has extensive knowledge of legal and title documents from her prior experience as a legal assistant and title agent.
Harley FergusonPlanner I
harley@secog.org
605-681-8135
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 FrancoPlanning Specialist
danielle@secog.org
605-681-8177
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.
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Jason ForbesVice President & Loan Officer
jason@secog.org
605-681-6001
As Vice President and Loan Officer, Jason is responsible for marketing, underwriting, and packaging loans for the SBA 504 Loan Program through Dakota BUSINESS Finance and the South Eastern Development Foundation Regional Revolving Loan Fund.
Jason received his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of South Dakota. Jason is a licensed CPA and has been in public accounting for over 30 years.
Betty GatesParaprofessional Bookkeeper
betty@secog.org
605-681-8171
Betty supports SECOG by maintaining accurate financial records and performing bookkeeping functions.
Madalynn GrahamIntern
intern@secog.org
605-681-8173
Madalynn serves as a intern for SECOG primarily assisting the Planning team with various grant and loan administrative duties.
Madalynn is a student at SDSU majoring in Community & Regional Planning with minors in Political Science and Sustainability.
Lajena GruisServicing Manager
lajena@secog.org
605-681-8178
As a Servicing Manager, LaJena is responsible for working with staff, lenders, and business owners to service business loans financed by the SBA 504 Loan Program through Dakota BUSINESS Finance and the South Eastern Development Foundation Regional Revolving Loan Fund.
LaJena holds an Associate’s degree in Accounting from Southeast Technical Institute. She has extensive experience with the SBA 504 loan program.
Sean HegyiPlanner I
sean@secog.org
605-681-8176
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.
Levi JayomGIS Technician/Land Use Planner I
gis@secog.org
605-681-8174
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 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 JohnsonCommunity Development Manager
sophie@secog.org
605-681-8184
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 a Doctorate in Public Administration from California Baptist University.
Amy KooikerCredit Analyst
amy@secog.org
605-681-8132
As a Credit Analyst, Amy is responsible for assisting with the underwriting and packaging of loans for the SBA 504 Loan Program through Dakota BUSINESS Finance and the South Eastern Development Foundation Regional Revolving Loan Fund.
Amy graduated from SDSU with a Consumer Affairs major and business minor. She has been in finance for 20+ years after graduating college.
Dustin LivingstonCredit Analyst
dustin@secog.org
605-681-8133
As a Credit Analyst, Dustin is responsible for assisting with the underwriting and packaging of loans for the SBA 504 Loan Program through Dakota BUSINESS Finance and the South Eastern Development Foundation Regional Revolving Loan Fund.
Dustin graduated from DWU with a Finance degree. He has 6+ years of credit analyst experience.
Daniel ParkSenior Credit Officer
daniel@secog.org
605-681-8187
As a Senior Credit Officer, Dan is responsible for marketing, underwriting, and packaging loans for the SBA 504 Loan Program through Dakota BUSINESS Finance and the South Eastern Development Foundation Regional Revolving Loan Fund.
Dan received his Bachelor of Science degree in Agri-Business from South Dakota State University. Daniel previously worked for 30 years in a community bank and was a licensed insurance agent and real estate broker.
Joey SalmonLoan Officer
joey@secog.org
605-681-8134
As a Loan Officer, Joey is responsible for marketing, underwriting, and packaging loans for the SBA 504 Loan Program through Dakota BUSINESS Finance and the South Eastern Development Foundation Regional Revolving Loan Fund.
Joey received her Associates degree in Business Administration from Western Iowa Tech. Joey has been in the banking industry for over 20 years.
Jenny SkinnerClosing Officer
jenny@secog.org
605-681-8120
As a Closing Officer, Jenny is responsible for closing business loans financed by the SBA 504 Loan Program through Dakota BUSINESS Finance and the South Eastern Development Foundation Regional Revolving Loan Fund.
Jenny holds an Associate’s degree in Financial Services from Southeast Technical Institute and brings with her over 21 years of banking experience.
Credit Analyst
laura@secog.org
605-681-8179
As a Credit Analyst, Laura is responsible for assisting with the underwriting and packaging of loans for the SBA 504 Loan Program through Dakota BUSINESS Finance and the South Eastern Development Foundation Regional Revolving Loan Fund.
Laura graduated from the University of Sioux Falls with a degree in Management and brings with her over 30 years of finance experience.
Dave SwierConstruction Manager
dave@secog.org
605-370-7563
As South Eastern Development Foundation'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.
Amanda UhrichExecutive Assistant
amanda@secog.org
605-681-8182
Amanda is responsible for the administrative support of the staff of SECOG, Dakota BUSINESS Finance and the South Eastern Development Foundation. Amanda also assists with SEDF's affordable and recycled home development.