Black Hills Community Economic Development leaders met the state’s new U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development director, Elsie Meeks, August 18.
Elsie was named to her new position by the Obama administration July 27. She will coordinate the efforts of 72 employees, and ensure that resources are serving rural South Dakotans through more than 40 programs. Rural Development invested more than $347 million in South Dakota in fiscal year 2008, and $2.2 billion over the past decade. It has been a key partner for BHCED, especially in establishing and capitalizing business loan programs.
Elsie has led economic and community development efforts in South Dakota for many years. She recently completed a six-year term on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, the first Native American on the Commission. Elsie and her husband, Jim, make their home on their ranch near Kyle, on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
