Kie-Lyn Shaffner Brings Her Finance Experience to the REED Fund

There’s a new face at the Rural Electric Economic Development Inc. (REED) Fund assisting with the accounting, finances, and loans. Kie-Lyn Shaffner joined the team in June as an Economic Development Finance Specialist and brings more than a decade of experience to the position.

“I’m still learning a lot and have been focusing on the financial duties,” she says. “But so far everyone has been so welcoming and collaborative.”

Shaffner is filling a position that is soon to be vacated by Janis Dailing, who will retire in July. Shaffner will manage the REED fund's finances while assisting Angie Neises as a loan officer. 

Shaffner Wanted to Grow Her Career While Giving Back

Before joining the REED Fund, Shaffner spent 12 years at First Bank and Trust and its factoring division, FirstLine Funding Group, assisting businesses with accounts receivable finance. “I really enjoyed the work and the job, but you always want to grow,” she says.

Shaffner remembers reading about the open position and how it invited people to apply who wanted to give back to their community and help local towns and municipalities grow.

“It feels good to do good,” she says. “I love the idea of using my skills and finance experience to have a positive impact on the region.”

Shaffner also volunteers with the Domestic Violence Network in Madison, South Dakota. The REED Fund is a natural fit for her passion for helping others.

“People who are successful in economic development tend to want the best for the greater community,” says Eric Fosheim, Economic Development Manager for the REED Fund. “They see the big picture for growth and want everyone around them to succeed. We’re excited to have Kie-Lyn on the team because she wants to create opportunities for South Dakota and to build up others around her.” 

There’s a Lot to Learn About Economic Development

While Shaffner is incredibly knowledgeable about finance, economic development presents a learning curve for anyone entering the field. There are many aspects to consider, from housing inventory to quality-of-life improvements, and the process becomes more complex when federal funding is involved.

“There’s a lot more than I thought to keep everything running,” she says. “It's constantly changing and evolving.”

Shaffner appreciates how economic development teams across different municipalities work together and share resources. So far, everyone she has met in the field has been helpful and welcoming.

Before joining the REED Fund, Shaffner was also familiar with electric cooperatives, but working here has allowed her to see firsthand how committed they are to their communities. She has learned how much they give back and strive to make the lives of their members better.   

Madison is Home for Kie-Lyn Shaffner

Kie-Lyn grew up in Madison, and her parents are still here. She briefly left for school at the University of South Dakota and then lived in Sioux Falls for a few years after college. When it was time to start a family, she moved back to Madison so her parents could help raise her two sons.

“The Madison community is great,” she says. “It’s a welcoming environment, and the schools are great for my kids.”

Shaffner adds that she enjoys living in a neighborhood where her kids can play freely outside. She also knows the other parents in the neighborhood and can reach out to them for help. 

The REED Fund Staff is Here to Support You

The REED Fund is currently accepting applications for economic development projects. If your business or organization is in our cooperative service areas, your project might qualify for funding. Explore some of the projects we fund to see if yours is a good fit.  

If you have any questions about the REED Fund and how to work with us, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to help you.