Staff

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Lynne Keller Forbes

President & CEO

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 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 Vice President & Senior Loan Officer

As the 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 Southeastern 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.

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Barb Berg

Closing Manager

As the 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.

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Danielle Franco

Planning Specialist

Danielle is responsible for marketing and event planning for Dakota BUSINESS Finance, the Southeastern Development Foundation, and the Southeastern Council of Governments.  Danielle also supports the planning efforts of SECOG's member communities by assisting with the application and administration of grants and loans. 

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Betty Gates

Paraprofessional Bookkeeper

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

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LaJena Gruis

Servicing Manager

As the 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 Southeastern 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. 

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Lisa Moeller

Loan Officer I

As a Loan Officer, Lisa is responsible for underwriting and packaging loans for the SBA 504 Loan Program through Dakota BUSINESS Finance and the South Eastern Development Foundation Regional Revolving Loan Fund.

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 II

As a Loan Officer, Dan is responsible for marketing, underwriting, and packaging loans for the SBA 504 Loan Program through Dakota BUSINESS Finance and the Southeastern Development Foundation Regional Revolving Loan Fund.

Dan 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. 

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Jenny Skinner

Closing Officer

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.

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Laura Spencer

Credit Analyst

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.

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Amanda Swier

Executive Assistant

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.

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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 recently graduated from Southeast Technical College with an Associate’s degree in Accounting.