Southeast

Name: Kurt Meister
Price range: $$

Hayfield, MN

Hayfield – Minnesota

Hayfield is a small town between Austin and Rochester.

Hayfield prides itself with a booming local economy with over 40 local businesses.

County: Dodge
Region: Southeast MN
Zip Code: 55940
City Website

Kurt Meister

Community & Business Development Specialist

Kurt became a member of the CEDA team in July of 2022. As a graduate of South Dakota State University in Brookings (Go Jackrabbits!!) with a Bachelor of Arts in History, and a Masters Degree from the University of Minnesota, Kurt taught AP and regular Human Geography at John Marshall High School in Rochester for 23 years.

Kurt grew up in the community of Hamilton, Illinois and is passionate in helping small communities succeed. His father was a 3rd generation small business owner (Meister Music - Keokuk, IA) which will aid Kurt as he helps the community of Zumbrota in its growth.

Pine Island, MN

Pine Island – Minnesota

City of Pine Island Minnesota is located 15 miles north of Rochester, and 45 miles south of St. Paul..

Located along the beautiful banks of the Zumbro River.

County: Goodhue & Olmsted
Region: Southeast MN
Zip Code: 55963
City Website
EDA Website

Mitch Massman

Loans Manager

Community & Business Development Specialist

Pine Island, MN

Email Mitch

Mitch joined the CEDA team in April as a Community and Business Development Specialist for the City of Pine Island. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with his primary focus in Finance and Financial Industry Management. Mitch’s background is in sales, customer experience, and relationship management. He has spent the last 5 years working at a regional bank where he started as a teller in 2014. His most recent position that he held for 3 years was as a banker where he specialized in loan profiling as well as relationship management.

Mitch is originally from Caledonia, Minn., where he spent his entire childhood. He moved to Winona after graduating High School for college and lived there for 5 years. He and his wife moved to the Twin Cities area for 2 years and then moved back to the Southeast MN area in 2016. He enjoys spending time with his wife, dog, and two cats, as well as getting outdoors both hunting and playing golf.

Goodhue, MN

Goodhue – Minnesota

The City of Goohue is located about 30 north of Rochester.

Goodhue has continued to grow.

County: Goodhue
Region: Southeast MN
Zip Code: 55027
City Website

Todd Kieffer

Community & Business Development Specialist

Todd brings nearly three decades of experience in education to his role in economic development, having spent 29 years as both a teacher and an elementary principal — 14 years in the classroom and 15 in leadership. Beyond education, Todd also coached varsity baseball for 12 years, football for 5 years, and girls' basketball for 4 years, reflecting his deep commitment to community engagement and youth development.

Following his time in education, Todd transitioned into the sales industry, supporting schools, colleges, and local organizations with custom apparel and uniforms, including developing website-based platforms to promote and sell local swag.

Now serving as a community and economic development professional with CEDA, Todd has embraced the wide-ranging and evolving challenges of rural development. He credits his time at CEDA with reigniting his passion for learning, as every day brings new opportunities to support unique community needs. What Todd enjoys most about his role is helping communities tell their stories and working alongside them to turn ideas into action.

Goodview, MN

Goodview – Minnesota

Goodview is located just north of Winona along the Mississippi River.

Goodview statement.

County: Winona
Region: Southeast MN
Zip Code: 55987
City Website

Trisha Hess

Community and Business Development Specialist

Trisha joined CEDA as a Community and Business Development Specialist in 2025. Bringing experience in project management, she knows how to collaborate with multiple stakeholders to get a project done. Her background also includes Healthcare, Information Technology, Manufacturing, and Administrative Support. Prior to working at CEDA, Trisha worked in Strategic Planning at Bridgestone America and IT and Project Management at Mayo Clinic. Trisha grew up in a small town in Southeastern Minnesota and still resides in the area today with her husband.

Faribault County, MN

Faribault County – Minnesota

Faribault County is located in south central Minnesota.

Blue Earth (county seat)
Bricelyn
Delavan
Easton
Elmore
Frost
Kiester
Minnesota Lake (part)
Walters
Wells
Winnebago

Amber Patten

Community & Business Development Specialist

Martin County, MN

Faribault County, MN

Email Amber

Amber joined CEDA in November of 2022 as an Economic & Business Development Specialist for Martin County, Faribault County, and is a Workforce Coordinator. Amber has worked as an Office Administrator for a Minnesota based power agency. She is involved as a community member, volunteering her time with various organizations. Amber enjoys working with people and communities in rural areas to help develop and sustain the current and future generations. Amber is married to her husband Zac and has two children. In her free time, Amber enjoys watching her children’s activities, watching sports, and hanging out with family and friends.

Celia Simpson

Community & Business Development Specialist

Madelia, MN

Faribault County, MN

Email Celia

Celia joined the CEDA team in August of 2023 as a Community and Business Development Specialist for the City of Madelia and Faribault County. She has a strong background in community programming, assisting and facilitating digital literacy workshops and youth robotics competitions through an American Connection Corps fellowship. In her community, she dedicates her free time to various community groups, supporting youth and diverse populations.

Kendra Reineking

Community and Business Development Specialist

Faribault County - MN

Email Kendra

Kendra joined the CEDA team in September 2024 as an Community & Business Development Specialist for Faribault County. She brings a strong background in clerical work and municipal operations, along with a passion for supporting rural communities. An active community member, Kendra dedicates her time to various volunteer activities. She is committed to helping businesses thrive and fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs in the region.

Kendra and her husband, Andy, have two dogs, Lucy and Nova. In her free time, she enjoys reading, fishing and spending time with family and friends.