Carla Goedtke is co-Founder and CFO of Investors Choice Financial Services Inc., with offices in Slayton & Marshall, MN serving a broad base of investors across the U.S. During her tenure she has earned her Master Registered Financial Consultant (MRFC®), Certified Senior Advisor (CSA®), Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA™), Certified Retirement Education Specialist (CRES) and Warton School of Business Income Distribution Planning academic credentials. In 2021 Carla volunteered to serve on the steering committee and now as board chair of the Lyon & Murray County CEO Program. The vision of the program to give students a broad exposure to area businesses and opportunities really intrigued Carla. It is her hope that the students selected to be in the program take this chance to explore their future beyond what a brick-and-mortar school day can provide. In 2022 Carla was recognized as one of three NTSA Elite Advisors in the nation! This, “Best of the Best” NTSA Financial Advisor, is based on Practice Management, Leadership, Advocacy and Legacy. She was honored at the 2022 American Portfolios Connections Conference as an inaugural ACSEND Advisor as a proven leader in business, practice management offerings, client engagement methodology, succession planning and community service. She earned Bachelor of Science degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato in Business Administration, Marketing and Speech-Communications, and a minor in Economics. While in college, she was on the MSU Speech Team, Residence Hall Association Honoree, and served in Student Senate. She was part of the team that established the first student-run credit union on the state college campuses then as an alum, she served as board treasurer. As a student she was involved in presenting the Timothy J. Penny Fellowship Program concept upon Representative Penny’s retirement from Congress. Years later she served the Fellowship and Barbara J. Penny Community Service Scholarship programs as a board member and then chair. Besides serving as the chair of the Lyon and Murray County CEO+ Program, Carla is the chair for SW Minnesota Workforce Development Board. She is an appointed member of American Portfolios Advisor Council (APAC) serving as the Communications Committee Lead and a member of the Compliance and the Client Experience Committees. She is a member of International Association of Registered Financial Consultants; National Association of Plan Administrators; National Tax-Deferred Savings Association, serving on the 2023 Elite Advisor Selection Committee; MN Financial Planning Association; Society of Certified Senior Advisors; Financial Services Institute; National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors; Order of Eastern Star; Slayton Kiwanis & Slayton Women of Today, serving on local, district and state levels. She regularly volunteers for community activities and is an avid philanthropist. Carla and her husband Jim have celebrated 30-years of marriage. She enjoys gardening as well as canning and preserving following each harvest, creating her own recipes, tending to her multiple flower beds, traveling, hiking, raising purebred Norwegian Forest cats, riding horse as well as collecting and pairing wines with delicious, home crafted meals.

Lauren Deutz is the Director of the Marshall EDA, a role she has served in since March of 2020. Prior to her current role, Lauren was the Director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau where she developed her strong passion for the City of Marshall. With a background in marketing and communication, Lauren has worked in broadcasting, business development, public relations, recruiting, tourism, and digital marketing. She earned her B.S. degree in Mass Communication from Minnesota State University, Mankato and has her Master’s degree in Business Administration from Southwest Minnesota State University. Lauren and her husband, Austin live in Marshall with their two year-old son August and infant daughter Lila. They enjoy spending time with their large families and anything sports related.

Neal Everson has been with Minnwest Bank in Slayton and Lake Wilson since 1993. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Business from South Dakota State University in Brookings. Supporting the school has always been a priority for Neal, both in his professional and personal life. Neal feels the CEO program presents a unique opportunity for students to connect with the local business community. It is his hope that these connections will lead the students to see that there are good career opportunities right here in Southwest Minnesota. Neal and his wife Mary live in Slayton where they raised their four children that all attended Murray County Central Schools. Neal enjoys golf, traveling and spending time with family, especially his 4 grandchildren.,

Beth Ritter is the Director of Teaching and Learning for Marshall Public Schools, a role she has served in since July of 2020. Beth has been with the Marshall Public Schools for 18 years holding various positions from 4th grade Teacher to Title I Reading Teacher/Reading Specialist to MEQ Coordinator. She is excited about the opportunities the CEO program will bring to the students of Marshall Public Schools and looks forward to building relationships with our local businesses and growing our own in the Marshall community and surrounding areas. Beth earned her B.S. in Elementary Education from Minnesota State University, Mankato, Master of Arts in Education from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota and K-12 Administrative License from Minnesota State University, Moorhead. Beth and her husband, Scott, live in Marshall with their three children, Brielle, Brayson and Surie, and most weekends, you will likely find them either in a gym cheering on their daughters in dance or in a hockey arena cheering on Brayson.

Past: -1987 grad of SMSU -Multiple management and training certificates through Schwan’s University -Lead manager on the Schwan’s National College Recruitment program -30 + year employee of the Schwan Food Company where I was an area manager for 10 years and the General Manager for 10 years Current: -Board member of the Tracy Area Community Foundation -Tracy EDA Director -Tracy Community Development Coordinator -Real Estate agent for Edina Realty - appointed board member of the Minnesota Rural Health Committee Personal -Married for 35 years – Sandy -2 children Aric and Ashlei -3 grandchildren –Scarlette, Adeline, Lily

As in most start-ups, experienced employees serve multiple roles. At iterro, Mr. Easley has the privilege of leading in three areas: Human Resources, Government Relations, and now Business Development for our trū Protein products.Human Resources: Oversees the strategic development and execution of all human resources activities for the company. Assist Executive Management in the decision making process and provide recommendations for policies and procedures as they relate to the company’s human capital.Government Relations: Fosters partnerships with local, state and federal government organizations in support of the companies long-range growth strategy. trū Protein Business Development: Facilitates all facets of the development and implementation of company's pet ingredient business. Before joining tru Shrimp, Mr. Easley held positions as the Director of Human Resources and I/T with Farmers Union Industries LLC in Redwood Falls, MN and Director of Human Resources and Continuous Improvement with Jimmy Sanders, Inc. in Cleveland, MS. Before moving to the agriculture industry, Mr. Easley work for over 20 years in the Pulp & Paper Industry with Bowater Inc. in various locations including the corporate office in Greenville, SC and manufacturing locations in Calhoun, TN and Coosa Pines, AL. Mr. Easley served the company in various I/T positions, acquisition planning and execution, and lastly as the Manufacturing Services Manager. Mr. Easley earned a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and a Master of Business Administration from Clemson University.

Over 35 years of leadership, and change management. I enjoy leading people to success and helping people prosper personally and professionally.

Jake Scandrett has been the Principal at Murray County Central High School since 2016. He is excited to bring the CEO program to the MCC District and feels this is a great way to link students to the businesses in the surrounding community. As with many smaller communities it can sometimes be difficult to retain students after they graduate. He sees the CEO program as a great opportunity to keep local talent coming back home. When students know about job opportunities in the community, and have personal relationships with business owners, it creates a familiarity that students want to return to. Jake earned his B.S. in Biology from Millersville University in Pennsylvania and a Masters in Biology as well as his teaching license from Minnesota State University, Mankato. He went on to earn his Specialists Degree in Education and Administrative license from Minnesota State University,Mankato. Jake and his wife, Erin, live in rural Slayton with their four daughters, Lila, Annie, Cassandra, and Cora. Jake enjoys the outdoors and spending time with his family.

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