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.

Dusty joined the CEDA team in February 2021 as a Community and Business Development Specialist. Dusty retired from the U.S. Marine Corps after 20 years of honorable, active-duty service in June of 2017. Since retiring, Dusty has worked for the City of St. Charles, Minn., and the La Crescent-Hokah Secondary school in La Crescent, Minn. Dusty holds a Bachelors of Science in Business Management from Park University.

Dusty grew up in the rural town of Ruthton, Minn., with a current population of 217 people and understands the needs of small-town U.S.A. She enjoys seeing them grow and prosper and is looking forward to creating solid relationships with businesses and citizens, to improve their economic growth. In her free time, Dusty enjoys spending time with her two children, working out, traveling, and reading.