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Hetti Cekalla Joins USDA Rural Development

Name
Tammi Schone
City
Huron
Release Date

Elsie M. Meeks, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development South Dakota State Director recently announced that Hetti Cekalla has joined the South Dakota USDA Rural Development team and will be stationed in the Rapid City Office.  Cekalla began her federal career in November 2010.

“Hetti will complement the existing Rural Business Cooperative staff.  She is ready to hit the networking circuit to educate and seek opportunities to promote our programs,” said Meeks.  “Rural Development is helping to improve the quality of life for South Dakota residents while assisting the growth of rural communities.”

Hetti’s prior experience includes a stint with the USDA Rural Development State Office in Huron, South Dakota working in the Housing and Business Program departments.  Most recently, she worked as a Business Opportunity Specialist for the U.S. Small Business Administration in El Paso, Texas.  Her previous private-sector experience includes work as a real estate broker, real property appraiser, assessor and mortgage loan officer.

Hetti’s current position will have her working with small, rural businesses and agricultural producers to help expand market areas, facilitate energy efficiency, and provide working capital through USDA Rural Development’s loan and grant programs. She can be reached at the USDA Rural Development Area Office in Rapid City, 605-342-0301 Ext. 118.

Born and raised in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, attended the University of South Dakota, Hettianne resides in Rapid City with her husband, LeRoy.  They have three grown children and two grandchildren who live in the Minneapolis area.

USDA Rural Development has eight offices in the state that assist rural communities.  Office locations include a state office in Huron, along with area offices in Aberdeen, Mitchell, Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Watertown, and Yankton.