Why the Brookings Regional Growth Alliance Exists
Growth needs more than individual initiatives. It needs alignment.
The Growth Alliance helps coordinate the systems that influence long-term success.
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Supporting business investment and expansion
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Strengthening workforce and career pathways
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Advancing community vitality and quality of place
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Promoting the region as a destination to visit, live, and invest
By bringing these priorities together, the Brookings Regional Growth Alliance provides a clear front door for progress.
Our work enhances local leadership by aligning partners, strategy, and action across the region.
Our Shared Focus
The Growth Alliance operates through three connected pathways that support the region’s long-term growth.
Community Development
Building connections, strengthening community capacity, and enhancing quality of place.
Business Development
Supporting business growth, entrepreneurship, and investment across the region.
Destination Development
Promoting our communities as a destination for visitors, experiences, and connection.
Together, these pathways create a coordinated system that helps the region grow with clarity and momentum.
Meet The Team
The Brookings Regional Growth Alliance brings together professionals dedicated to business development, workforce and community alignment, and destination promotion.
Together, they serve businesses, partners, members, and communities by coordinating strategy and advancing regional priorities.
Lori Frederick
Cierra Steffensen
Layne Manson
Bridgit Burghardt
Community Development
Kirsten Gjesdal
Casey Stickland
Ainsley Bennett
Business Development
Stephanie Mason
Matty Kerr
Destination Development
Laura Schoen Carbonneau
Murphy Fries
Guided by Regional Leadership
The Brookings Regional Growth Alliance is governed by a board of leaders who share a commitment to the long-term strength of the Brookings region.
These leaders represent business, education, local government, and community organizations. Together, they help guide strategy, strengthen partnerships, and ensure the Brookings Regional Growth Alliance reflects the priorities of the communities it serves.
The board provides oversight, strategic direction, and regional perspective as the organization works to align business development, community vitality, and destination promotion.
Board of Directors
Laci Thompson
Jamison Lamp
Angie Boersma
Shawn Hostler
Jeremy Johnson
Elena McKeown
Kyle Minett
Nate Schaefer
Mike Turnwall
Nick Wendell
Michaela Willis
Guided by Regional Leadership
The Brookings Regional Growth Alliance is governed by a board of leaders who share a commitment to the long-term strength of the Brookings region.
These leaders represent business, education, local government, and community organizations. Together, they help guide strategy, strengthen partnerships, and ensure the Brookings Regional Growth Alliance reflects the priorities of the communities it serves.
The board provides oversight, strategic direction, and regional perspective as the organization works to align business development, community vitality, and destination promotion.
Board of Directors
Laci Thompson
Jamison Lamp
Angie Boersma
Shawn Hostler
Jeremy Johnson
Elena McKeown
Kyle Minett
Nate Schaefer
Mike Turnwall
Nick Wendell
Michaela Willis
Let's Keep The Conversation Going
The future of the Brookings region is built through shared effort.
We invite you to follow the progress, connect with our team, and explore how you can be part of the continued momentum.
Reach out to us using the form below to learn how you can stay connected.
Contact Us
Important Links
Grow Together Brookings - Learn about the merger
Meet Our New CEO - Lori Frederick
Brookings Professional Network