Anthony Larson resides near Hettinger, ND with his wife and their two children. He is the fourth generation to own and operate the 1920 Larson Ranch, a multi-faceted agricultural enterprise that includes cow/calf, yearling cattle, forage, and hog operations. As a testament to Anthony’s commitment to community development, he and his wife purchased and re-established a restaurant business in their community to address a critical need and fill a vacant space. The business was sold to a new owner in 2019, leaving a lasting legacy of revitalization. Anthony’s extensive professional background underscores his dedication to community service. He served as the Ambulatory Care Officer and Patient Financial Services Manager at West River Health Services, where he played a pivotal role in improving healthcare access for residents of the region. Additionally, he held the position of Branch Manager and Lender for a regional commercial bank. Currently, Anthony serves as a director for several vital entities, including the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation, Slope Electric Cooperative, Innovative Energy Alliance, Maintenance Solutions Cooperative, and Upper Missouri Power Cooperative. He actively participates on the Hettinger Public School Agricultural Education Advisory Board, fostering educational opportunities for local youth. Throughout his career, Anthony has held board roles with Adams County Development Corporation, Rural Development Finance Corporation, and West Dakota Utility Services Holdings, along with its subsidiaries.

Mary Greene Trottier is a dedicated member of the Spirit Lake Tribe, where she has spent her entire life, fostering a profound connection to her community. With an illustrious career spanning 40 years, Mary has served as a vital force within the USDA-Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), advocating tirelessly for the well-being of indigenous communities and those in need nationwide. Throughout her extensive tenure, Mary's commitment to advocating for health, nutrition, and innovative delivery methods for FDPIR clients has transcended geographical boundaries. Her impact resonates across the country as she tirelessly champions change within the USDA Farm Bill, ensuring that food assistance programs are accessible, efficient, and aligned with the needs of the communities they serve. As a testament to her versatile background, Mary's journey has been characterized by service to underprivileged communities, a commitment that has deep roots in her upbringing in rural North Dakota. Her unique combination of administrative expertise and firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by marginalized populations has made her a formidable advocate for transformative change. Mary's dedication extends beyond her role as an administrator at USDA-FDPIR; she has made her voice heard at House Hearings, sharing her valuable insights to drive policy improvements that benefit the most vulnerable. Her leadership and advocacy have not gone unnoticed, as she proudly serves as the President of the National Association of Food Distribution Programs on Indian Reservations (NAFDPIR), further amplifying her influence on a national scale. In addition to her national role, Mary remains deeply rooted in her local community, actively contributing as a member of the community college's board. Her unwavering commitment to improving community resources serves as a testament to her dedication to the well-being and prosperity of the people she serves. Mary Greene Trottier is an exemplar of tireless advocacy and leadership, a passionate advocate for the marginalized, and a catalyst for change within the USDA-FDPIR and beyond. Her commitment to community development, nutritional access, and effective policy reform continues to have a profound and lasting impact on countless lives across the nation.

Lori Finnesand is a distinguished leader and the Chief Executive Officer of GROW South Dakota, a private nonprofit corporation established to provide services to low-income individuals and promote and foster economic development in distressed communities and underserved markets in South Dakota. With over three decades of dedicated service at GROW South Dakota, Lori's unwavering commitment to her role has been instrumental in transforming lives and communities. As the CEO, Lori provides steadfast oversight of all facets of the organization, including the loan fund and financial accountability, ensuring that GROW South Dakota's initiatives are both impactful and sustainable. Her remarkable leadership has left an indelible mark, particularly in the construction and renovation of four schools on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, an area facing significant economic challenges. These educational projects not only enhance resources for students but also create and sustain hundreds of jobs, breathing new life into a community in need. Lori's active engagement within the communities she serves plays a pivotal role in guiding GROW South Dakota's selection of worthy projects, further underscoring her dedication to making a positive impact. Her educational background includes a double major in Business Administration and Business Education from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. She has also honed her skills through prestigious programs, having graduated from the Achieving Excellence in Community Development Executive Education at Harvard Kennedy Business School and obtaining certification as an Economic Development Professional from the National Development Council. Her expertise extends to Management and Leadership, as recognized through NeighborWorks America. Lori's remarkable contributions have not gone unnoticed, as she was named the 2011 SBA Financial Services Advocate of the Year for South Dakota, acknowledging her commitment to financial empowerment. In 2018, she received the SBA Women Empowerment & Entrepreneurship Award, cementing her position as a driving force in the world of community development and empowerment. Beyond her role at GROW South Dakota, Lori serves as a board member of Roberts Mutual Insurance Corporation, Coteau Des Prairies Health Care System, and Tekakwitha Living Center, She is a past board member of Sisseton Economic Development Corporation and Community Development Corporation Bancshares, Inc. Her multi-faceted involvement in community development and financial services underscores her unwavering dedication to fostering positive change and economic empowerment in the communities she serves. Lori Finnesand is an exceptional advocate for progress and transformation, leaving an indelible legacy of change in her wake.

Lori Cowman has been employed by Planning & Development District III in Yankton, SD for the past 25 years. She was named Executive Director in November 2023. Her main duties include the overall responsibility of management and performance of the staff, implementation of policies and procedures, maintenance of professional relationships with government agencies and partnering entities, securing revenues for operations, and serving as the Administrator of the Areawide Business Council, Inc., a regional revolving loan fund that serves 15 counties in Southeast and Southcentral SD. Before joining the staff at District III, Lori worked for First National Bank South Dakota in lending for 9 years. Lori is a graduate of the University of SD (BA-Accounting) and has earned the designation of Economic Development Finance Professional from Grow America fka The National Development Council. She is also a graduate of the American Bankers Association National Consumer Credit School and was named Minority Small Business Champion of the Year in 2005 by the South Dakota Small Business Administration.