Bruce Jones, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development South Dakota Acting State Director recently announced that Alana Cannon has joined the South Dakota USDA Rural Development team as a specialist and will be stationed in the Rapid City Office. Cannon began her federal career in 2004.
“Alana has experience in the field of community economic development and will be a tremendous asset in helping Rural Development carry out its mission to bring economic opportunity and enhanced quality of life to rural communities and residents,” said Jones.
Cannon’s career with USDA began in Wyoming as a loan specialist, advanced to community programs director, coordinated CED for the state of Wyoming, and now serves as both an area specialist and community liaison for the newly designated promise zone on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Cannon’s previous professional experience includes public accounting, commercial lending, and title insurance.
Cannon holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration- Accounting from the University of Montana. She commented that she is proud to be a Wyoming native, and was raised in Casper. She has also lived in western Montana for several years. Cannon and her fiancé, Shawn and grand puppy Buster, are looking forward to life in Rapid City and enjoying the beauty of the Black Hills. She has one daughter, Sydney, who graduated from high school last May with plans to attend the University of Wyoming in the fall majoring in biology.
“I’m glad to be a part of the South Dakota team and look forward to the opportunity to build relationships and serve the rural and tribal communities in the state , ” said Cannon.
USDA Rural Development in South Dakota has offices in Aberdeen, Huron, Mitchell, Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Watertown, and Yankton. For more information, visit the USDA Rural Development website at http://www.rd.usda.gov/sd.
The Administration’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. These investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values.