The Brookings Regional Growth Alliance has announced the hiring of Lori Frederick as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking an important step forward as the organization begins a new chapter serving the Brookings region.

Frederick brings more than a decade of direct economic development experience and over 20 years of experience in business ownership, consulting, and community development. She most recently served as Senior Economic Development Director at Elevate Rapid City, where she led initiatives focused on business attraction, retention, and expansion while overseeing strategic economic development efforts for the Rapid City region.

In her role with the Growth Alliance, Frederick will lead the unified organization created through the consolidation of the Brookings Area Chamber of Commerce, Brookings Economic Development Corporation, Downtown Brookings, and Visit Brookings. The organization was formed to align community resources, strengthen regional collaboration, and support long term economic vitality and quality of life in Brookings.

“Lori brings an exceptional combination of economic development expertise, business insight, and leadership experience that will help guide the Brookings Regional Growth Alliance into its next chapter,” said Laci Dahl Thompson, President of the Board of Directors. “As our community comes together under this new unified organization, Lori’s ability to build partnerships and drive strategic growth will be invaluable. We are excited to welcome her to Brookings and look forward to the impact she will have across the region.”

Frederick’s background includes significant experience working with businesses at every stage of growth. Prior to her role at Elevate Rapid City, she served as a Senior Business Development Representative with the South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development, where she focused on business recruitment, project management, and site selection efforts across the state. She has also held leadership roles including Executive Director of the Deadwood Lead Economic Development Corporation and Business Consultant with the Nebraska Small Business Development Center.

Frederick holds a Master of Business Administration from Chadron State College and a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Design from South Dakota State University. She is also an Economic Development Finance Professional and has remained actively involved in community and industry leadership through organizations such as the South Dakota Trade Advisory Board and the Black Hills State University School of Business Advisory Board.

“Brookings has an incredibly strong foundation, and I’m honored to join the community and lead the Brookings Regional Growth Alliance,” said Frederick. “I look forward to working with partners across the region to advance collaboration, innovation, and strategic growth. Together, we will build a clear strategy that supports business success, attracts new investment, and positions the Brookings region for long term prosperity for future generations.”

Frederick is an alumna of South Dakota State University and brings a strong understanding of the region’s economic strengths and opportunities. As CEO, she will work closely with the organization’s development directors and regional stakeholders to advance strategic initiatives that support business growth, workforce development, placemaking, and destination development.

Frederick will begin her role with the Brookings Regional Growth Alliance on March 23, 2026.