Connect Brookings

Committee Members

Pattie Wilber - Chair - Legacy Financial Partners

Kelly Crevier - Chair - Harms Oil

Branygon Kirsch - Social Action Team Leader - Central Bank

Abby Kurka - Personal & Professional Development Action Team Co-Leader - First Bank & Trust

Rile Jo Schneider - Personal & Professional Development Action Team Co-Leader - Bowes Construction

Laura Sroufe - Community Engagement Action Team Leader - Avera Medical Group

Shawna Witt - Summit Lead - Banner Associates

Kesmond Willert - Bowes Construction

Sam Wilber - First Bank & Trust

Tehra Nelson - Brookings Area United Way

Jenna Banker - Brookings County

Lindsey Eenhuis - City of Volga

Committee Purpose

Foster professional growth, leadership development, and community connection among individuals in the Brookings area.

The Brookings Professional Network united the Brookings Area Young Professional Network and Women in Leadership committee into one community for area professionals at all career stages. Nework members will enjoy access to 20 no-cost, member-only events, an area professional directory, and opportunities to serve in leadership roles through the Network's committee and action teams.

The annual $50 individual membership will help support high-quality programming while fostering connections, leadership growth, and a stronger professional community in Brookings. More details about the Brookings Professional Network, including membership opportunities and upcoming events, will be announced soon.

Committee members are selected through an application process. Members are sought to provide a balanced skill set and have major responsibility for developing and promoting the mission, programs, and image of the Brookings Professional Network. Individuals interested in volunteering should start at the action team level.

Click here to access the Brookings Professional Network Committee Member Application. Committee members are eligible to serve 3 two-year terms.

For more information, email us at info@brookingschamber.org.

Brookings Professional Network Committee Staff Liaison
Casey Stickland
Community Development Specialist
casey@brookingschamber.org

Help Us Highlight our Outstanding Area Young Professionals

Nominations Due the First Friday of March

Click Here to Access Form

Recognizing Brookings Area Young Professionals

The Young Professional Awards recognize outstanding young professionals in the Brookings area who are making a difference in their careers and community. These awards celebrate individuals who exemplify leadership, innovation, and a commitment to enriching the Brookings Area.

Nominees must be employed by a Chamber member in good standing and can be considered for multiple categories:

Emerging Leaders Award (honoring young professionals aged 30 and under who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential)
Community Impact Award (recognizing individuals who have made meaningful contributions through volunteerism and service)
Young Professional of the Year Award (the highest honor, awarded to a professional who excels in leadership, innovation, and community engagement).

Award recipients will be recognized at the Brookings Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Celebration. Submit your nomination today to help us celebrate the next generation of leaders!

Chris Brozik, Civil Design, Inc.

Pattie Berkner, Legacy Financial Partner

Laura Schwarz, Falcon Plastics

Kesmond Willert, Bowes Construction

Past Young Professionals of the Year:

2022: Chris Brozik (Civil Design Inc.)

2023: Pattie Berkner (Legacy Financial Partners Ameriprise Financial)

2024: Laura Schwarz (Falcon Plastics)

2025: Kesmond Willert (Bowes Construction)

Emerging Leaders Award Winners

Jeryn Christensen – Be Still Boutique

Jeryn Christensen is the owner of Be Still Boutique and a vibrant force in Brookings. Since 2022, she’s turned her shop into a welcoming space for women, hosting events, mentoring entrepreneurs, and building community. With boldness and heart, Jeryn uses her platform to inspire confidence, purpose, and connection — making her a standout young leader.

Cierra Steffensen - Brookings Economic Development Corporation

As Marketing and Operations Specialist at BEDC, Cierra Steffensen drives local business support and long-term growth. She’s a 2024 Leadership Brookings grad, Certified Tourism Ambassador, and serves on several community boards. Cierra’s collaborative, purpose-driven leadership makes her a key voice in Brookings’ future.

Jacob Hanson – Mills Construction

Jacob Hanson is the Project Manager behind the Trails Head at Indian Hills development — one of Mills Construction’s largest builds. An SDSU grad and Brookings native, Jacob brings precision, integrity, and teamwork to every project. He’s also active in AGC Young Constructors and Leadership Brookings, shaping the future of the industry and his community.

Community Impact Award Winners

Tehra Nelson – Brookings Area United Way

Tehra Nelson is building a stronger Brookings as Community Initiatives Coordinator at the United Way. With compassion and strategy, she leads efforts that connect volunteers, support nonprofits, and uplift families in need. Known for her vision and reliability, Tehra brings people together, moves initiatives forward, and exemplifies servant leadership in action.

Tony Teesdale – Teesdale Law Office

Tony Teesdale is an attorney and founder of Teesdale Law, committed to accessible legal support and advocacy. He serves in roles from Tribal Judge to Drug Court Representative — always with compassion and integrity. Beyond the courtroom, Tony is a volunteer firefighter, civic leader, and connector in the Brookings community, known for humble, service-driven leadership.