Rebecca joined the CEDA team in May of 2017. Rebecca has a Master’s Degree in International Relations from the University of Wales, Swansea, and Bachelor of Science in Political Science from South Dakota State University. She has spent the past 15 years working on/leading political campaigns for both local and national candidates, as well as issue based campaigns.

Rebecca’s interest in rural economic development stems from her experiences working with rural communities during her political career, where she heard about the needs and difficulties facing rural communities across the nation. She has a strong desire to help to make positive changes for rural America.

Cathy is the EDA Director for two communities in southeastern Minnesota – Eyota and Lanesboro. Cathy joined the CEDA team in 2009, bringing with her vast knowledge of construction, real estate, finance, economics, budgeting, grant writing, and customer service. Cathy is a visionary with expertise in generating new ideas and solving problems. She has brought millions of grant dollars to the communities she serves. She has created pilot programs with the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation to bring succession planning to local businesses and with Greater Minnesota Housing to pilot revolving loan funds to revitalize rental housing above downtown commercial spaces. She has implemented main street renovations for three communities including partnering with CEDA grant writers to bring nearly $2 million dollars of small cities block grant funding to SE MN. Cathy works with the EDA Board in Preston to showcase area assets and strengthen the local economy, she is responsible for the creation of the National Trout Center, and a successful $10 million dollar State grant to build a MN State Veterans Home.

Cathy is a graduate of Mankato State with a degree in Finance and Economics, and she holds a MN Realtors License. Through her work, Cathy is a member of the Rochester Area Builders, the Preston Area Chamber, and the Southeast MN Association of Realtors.