Staff

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Lynne Keller Forbes

Executive Director

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.

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Erik Barnes

Senior Loan Officer

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.

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Barb Berg

Closing Officer

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.

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Danielle Franco

Planning Specialist

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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Betty Gates

Paraprofessional Bookkeeper

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

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Darla Groeneveld

Loan Assistant

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 brings with her 14 years of banking experience in operations and loan servicing.

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LaJena Gruis

Servicing Analyst

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 Southeastern 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. 

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Lisa Moeller

Loan Specialist

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.

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Daniel Park

Loan Officer

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

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Jenny Skinner

Closing Officer

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

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Amanda Swier

Administrative Assistant

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

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Sydney Waltner

Loan Assistant

As a Loan Assistant, Sydney provides administrative support for the SBA 504 Loan Program through Dakota BUSINESS Finance and the Southeastern 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.