Sisseton Economic Development Corp.

President
Ben was born and raised in the Sisseton area, growing up on a farm east of Sisseton. He graduated from Sisseton in 1999 where he then attended Northern State University where Ben played football and earned a degree in Business Management in 2003. Ben married Carrie Nielsen in 2003, they now have two kids. Ben is President of the Sisseton Economic Development Corporation, President of Glacial Lakes 4-H Rodeo Club, Secretary/ Treasurer/ Captain of the Sisseton Fire Department, member of the Roberts County Rescue Squad, and has served on numerous boards including Sisseton Alumni Association, Horse and Buggy Days Committee, Celebrate Sisseton 125th Committee, and session member of First Presbyterian Church.

Vice-President
Gordon was born and raised in Northeast South Dakota, near the Peever and Sisseton area. Gordon began his studies at Northern State University receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in 1994. Gordon then attended the University of South Dakota School of Law where he graduated as a Sterling Honors Graduate in 1998. Upon graduation, Gordon served in the South Dakota National Guard Judge Advocate General Corp and joined the firm. In 2002, Gordon became a partner at Delaney, Nielsen & Sannes Law Firm. In his free time, Gordon enjoys spending time with his wife and four children.

Treasurer
Ashley was raised here in Sisseton then went to Minnesota State University Moorhead where she got her degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing and Management. She has worked for the City of Sisseton since August 2017 as the Executive Director of the Sisseton Area Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development, and Promotion Board. In her spare time she enjoy working at Deano's Steakhouse and Lounge in Claire City, SD and hanging out with friends and family.

Lori Finnesand is the Chief Executive Officer of GROW South Dakota and has over 25 years of experience with this organization that provides housing, community, and economic development activities in South Dakota. She has lived in the Sisseton community the majority of her life, a graduate of Sisseton High School. She received her Business Administration major from Concordia College, Moorhead, MN. She was on the Sisseton Area Chamber of Commerce for 9 years prior to serving on the SEDC board.

Mike was born in Sisseton, attended school here and graduated from Sisseton High School in 1987.  He lived here most of his life.  In 1995, he married Tricia Schiltz and now has three daughters.  Mike bought K&K Convenience Store in 2009 and has since built his business to add two more c-stores in surrounding areas and rental properties in Sisseton.  Mike has served in the past on the Golf Course board and the Sisseton Promotion board.  He currently is serving on the Economic Development board where he has been a board member for four years.

Aarik was born and raised in Sisseton before serving in the Air Force for seven years, following that he settled down in St. Paul and worked for U.S. Bank and Loss Control Solutions in Information Technology. He moved back to Sisseton in 2003 with his wife Carrie where they are currently raising their two boys and Aarik is employed at Woodland Cabinetry as the Chief Information Officer. Aarik is a varsity wrestling coach and has been on several boards and groups in town. He was a member of the Sisseton Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad for ten years. Aarik has been on the Sisseton Economic Development Corporation Board for the past five years.