Helen Nessan-Merriman, Executive Director

Helen has served as the founding SD CEO director since November 2009. For 24 years, she and her husband Roger operated a commercial printing and publishing business in Pierre, SD. Prior to joining SD CEO, Helen served as communications and development director for Catholic Social Services. She also has experience as a sales manager for two regional publications, as a coordinator of social services for a long-term care facility and in leading both non-profit and for-profit entities. Helen's background and skill set enable her to effectively address the goals set forth for the Women's Business Center.

Helen is orginally from the Sioux Falls area where she earned a bachelor's degree from Northern State University. She currently lives in Spearfish wither her husband, Roger.

Brittni Skipper, Program Assistant I

Brittni Skipper is a 2009 graduate of Black Hills State University. She earned a bachelor's degree in business administration, with a specialization in management. As of December 2012, Brittni is the proud recipient of a master's degree in strategic leadership which was also completed at Black Hills State University. She joined the SD CEO team in April of 2011 and is responsible for coordinating the training sessions, establishing and maintaining financial systems and providing support to the executive director.

Brittni lives in Belle Fourche with her husband, Lorin, and their two children, Skylir and Landin.

Megan Lipp, Secretary

Megan joined the SD CEO team in December 2012 where she serves as the secretary.  Megan is originally from the Mound City area and received a bachelor’s degree from South Dakota State University in Brookings. She is responsible for the logistical coordination of events, creation and distribution of promotional and event-day materials, registration, maintaining databases, filing, providing customer service, and minor financial report verification. 

Megan lives in Spearfish with her husband, Chris, and their son, Malcolm.

Alyssa Terry, Marketing Intern

Alyssa has served as the marketing intern since September 2012. She is a third year mass communications and corporate communication double major at Black Hills State University. After graduation, Alyssa hopes to become an audio/video editor. She is from Gillette, Wyoming and is currently the senior resident advisor on campus at BHSU.