Eriann Faris and Valerie Halvorson are newly elected members of the Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) Board of Directors. Eriann serves as the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Project Coordinator at Southwest West Central Service Cooperative. Valerie works as the City Manager for the City of Madison.
“We are excited and grateful to have Eriann and Val join our board. Their expertise, experience, and perspectives will bring tremendous value as we enter our 40th anniversary year in 2026 and as we embark on the next chapter of our organization,” said SWIF President Scott Marquardt.
More About New Board Member Eriann Faris
Nearly 10 years ago, as a Youth Program Manager at the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council, I was invited to participate in SWIF’s career pathways work with the Greater Twin Cities United Way and Jobs for the Future Pathways to Prosperity Network. Since that time, I’ve been working closely with SWIF to support school districts, business, and industry to align and create career pathways for students, primarily through the Launch Your Future Today (LYFT) Career Pathways Advisory committee.
I am inspired by the foundation’s mission because it is strictly action oriented with a focus on our local communities and region.
I have been working in Workforce Development for 15 years as a Youth Program Manager for our local workforce board in EDR 8 and 6W. The last 4 years, I have been working as a CTE Project Coordinator at the Southwest/West Central Service Cooperative leading LYFT Career Pathways. Just recently, I have taken on the role as mayor for the City of Taunton. And lastly, I am the Business Manager for Concrete Joe Construction LLC in Taunton.
As a board member, I am looking forward to learning even more about all the fantastic things SWIF offers the region while also expanding my network and knowledge to further develop partnerships and collaborate on endeavors that align with and benefit our region, specifically towards career paths available to and for all. I am excited to bring to the board my experience in workforce development and education, including CTE, Career Connected Learning and Career Pathway Development.
More About New Board Member Valerie Halvorson
When I first started in my position as Madison City Manager, I didn’t have a deep understanding of economic development in general, so I reached out to the foundation for guidance. That’s how I first connected with Scott Marquardt and the team. They were incredibly helpful in providing resources and perspectives, which gave me a strong foundation to build on. Since then, I’ve continued to follow and appreciate their work in supporting communities across the region.
What stands out to me about Southwest Initiative Foundation is how they truly live their mission of connecting people, investing in ideas, and building communities. They show up in our cities and towns, listen to what’s needed, and look for ways to be part of the solution — not just come in as the solution. I’ve seen this firsthand in my own community, whether it’s their support for small businesses, helping drive local childcare efforts, or managing funds and grant programs that keep critical projects moving. I also appreciate how they provide training, mentor entrepreneurs and people with passionate ideas, and advocate for bigger regional needs like housing, daycare, and workforce. It’s their commitment to meeting communities where they are and helping us move our own ideas forward that I value most.
I’m an alum of the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management, and my entire career has been in local government — first at the county level and now as city manager in my hometown of Madison since 2015. I’ve been part of several major infrastructure projects and helped secure successful outcomes for important community initiatives like housing, daycare and broadband. I’m also actively involved with our local chamber, which keeps me connected to the community. I truly feel this is where I’m meant to be, working in and for the community I love.
I’m passionate about Madison and the network of rural communities that make up our region. Each has its own unique character, yet there’s a common thread of rural understanding. I enjoy discovering how people are linked through relationships and shared experiences and finding creative ways to move ideas forward together. My role often brings me into meaningful community conversations, which I really enjoy. I’m good at collaborating with people and exploring new ideas — balancing caution with genuine enthusiasm. I hope to bring this perspective, along with my management and local government experience, to help advance SWIF’s mission of connecting people, investing in ideas, and building even stronger communities.
About the board
The Southwest Initiative Foundation 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.
