We’re celebrating Dan Greve’s seven years of volunteer service as his term ends on our board of directors.
Dan joined our board in 2019 and provided thoughtful, steady leadership during a period that demanded both resilience and reinvention.
“Serving on the board deepened my understanding of the diverse needs across Southwest Minnesota—and the people working every day to make their communities better. That’s been the most rewarding part,” Dan said. “I want to thank the board members I’ve served with over the years. I appreciate the time they’re volunteering, and I’m grateful for the staff as well. I’ve enjoyed interacting with everyone involved in the foundation’s work.”
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and the foundation’s response, Dan brought a stabilizing presence grounded in a deep understanding of Southwest Minnesota’s economy. His expertise kept the organization closely connected to the agriculture and bioscience sectors that are central to the region’s vitality.
Southwest Initiative Foundation and Southwest Minnesota are stronger because of Dan’s service!
Expanding opportunity through career pathways
Growing up in Worthington and building his career there, Dan has long believed in investing in local people and communities. His support for the foundation’s Grow Our Own strategic direction reflected both personal commitment and professional insight, particularly his firsthand understanding of the workforce challenges rural communities face.
A highlight for Dan has been SWIF’s focus on strengthening career pathways, including the Southwest Minnesota Teacher Preparation Partnership, launched in 2019. This collaboration among Worthington Public Schools, Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Southwest Minnesota State University and SWIF focuses on increasing the pool of qualified, diverse teachers in the region.
Supported by more than $1 million from the McKnight Foundation, the program helps students—particularly students of color—pursue teaching careers and return to serve their home communities.
“It’s great to see Worthington graduates returning to teach in the district,” Dan said.
Strengthening rural economies and local ownership
Dan co-founded Profectus Livestock Solutions, where he serves as chief financial officer. As a longtime financial leader in manufacturing and agriculture, he brought an asset-based, opportunity-focused mindset to his role on the board.
That perspective was especially valuable as the foundation reimagined how it deploys capital and expertise, including the launch of Southwest Minnesota Community Capital, its emerging Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). Dan consistently connected local realities to broader regional and global trends, strengthening SWIF’s ability to position Southwest Minnesota for long-term success.
“Being a business owner, I think it’s important to help the next generation step into those shoes,” Dan said. “Whether that’s succession planning for established companies or support for startups, SWIF can play a role. Keeping ownership local retains resources for the community.”
As Dan concludes his final term, SWIF is celebrating its 40th anniversary. It’s a milestone he finds personally meaningful.
“Our family was impacted by the farm crisis in the ‘80s, and we had to quit farming. I was in junior high when that happened. Looking back, it’s meaningful to see how the McKnight Foundation’s investment has grown into the Minnesota Initiative Foundations that are now these trusted partners connecting resources to local communities,” Dan said.
Community leadership and local philanthropy
In honor of his service, Dan directed a $700 grant to the Worthington Area Community Foundation endowment fund. Established in 1991, the Worthington Area Community Foundation (WACF) promotes charitable giving by helping donors create funds and memorials that provide lasting benefit to the community.
“The Worthington Area Community Foundation is thankful to Dan Greve, not just for the grant but for his work with the Southwest Initiative Foundation over the years,” said WACF Board Chair Ryan McGaughey. “Thanks to the time and wisdom he has given SWIF, he has immeasurably helped community foundations like ours and others across southwest Minnesota continue to thrive. It’s people like him who help us succeed in making our communities better places to live.”
WACF is one of SWIF’s 31 affiliate foundations, which play a key role in retaining wealth in our region.
“I’m a big believer in the work of our local community foundations,” Dan said. “There’s nobody who knows better where the dollars are needed, and it makes it easy to give back locally. I encourage people to take the time to volunteer and be part of something in their community.”
About the SWIF Board of Directors
The SWIF Board of Directors is a governing board that ensures the organization fulfills its mission of connecting people, investing in ideas and building communities in southwest Minnesota. This volunteer board sets strategy, manages resources, and promotes the foundation’s work.
Current board members are chair Theresa Zaske, Balaton; vice chair Terry Gaalswyk, Worthington; past chair Christie Hantge, Hutchinson; treasurer Tom Brakke, Deephaven; Eriann Faris, Taunton; Valerie Halvorson, Madison; and Erica Volkir, Pipestone.