Discovery Benefits hires six

BROOKINGS – Due to growth, Discovery Benefits has hired six employees. 

Chantel Herold was hired as a claims specialist. Emily Kehrwald and Lacey Doescher joined as solution specialists. Alyssa Hook, Debra Rochon and Laura Burns were hired as participant services specialists. 

Discovery Benefits, a WEX company, is a national leader in employee benefits, providing administration of health savings accounts (HSAs), flexible spending accounts (FSAs), health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs), commuter benefits, COBRA and direct bill. 

Olson joins Great Western Bank

SIOUX FALLS – Great Western Bank is pleased to welcome Greg Olson as a business banker for the Brookings area. 

A graduate of South Dakota State University, Olson has a Bachelor of Science degree in general agriculture and minors in agricultural business and animal sciences. Olson’s education plus his 10 years of experience in the financial services industry, six of which were focused in ag lending, equip him to work through the requests of a wide range of customers. He understands the importance of a strong customer relationship and strives to be a trusted resource to help borrower’s meet their financial goals.

“We are excited to add Greg to our Brookings team as a business and ag banker,” said Floyd Rummel, market president. “His background in agriculture and agriculture lending will make him a great resource for our Brookings market.”

Olson is active in the community. He pledges time to volunteer activities and participates in the SDBA Emerging Leaders program, Ag Relations Committee and Brookings Wildlife Federation. While he continues to help on the family farm near Hendricks, Minnesota, Olson now lives in White with his wife, Brittany.

Albee gets SDSU employee honor

BROOKINGS – Jessica Albee has been named South Dakota State University’s Civil Service Employee of the Month for September. Albee, a custodian with Facilities and Services, will be honored at 2:15 p.m. Sept. 26 in the President’s Home.

“Jessica has blessed Facilities and Services custodial with her vast knowledge, fun-loving personality and drive to make a positive impact,” said Lisa VandeKieft, a custodial services supervisor. “She is a key member of the daily workforce, and I know I can always count on her for whatever the day may throw our way. Jessica has not only made custodial a better department, she has made SDSU better.”

Albee has worked at SDSU since November 2007. She moved from Residential Life to Facilities and Services in November 2015.

“Jessica does not care about a title or position—she comes to work every day, asks what needs to get done and pitches in to get it done,” said Meila Miller, laundry and operations supervisor. “She makes work fun. We are all here for the same reason: making the students happy, making campus a great experience and making work fun and worth doing every day.”

Albee serves as the primary caretaker of the President’s Home.

“Jessica performs landscaping and housekeeping duties, including tending to the plants and lawn, keeping the patio and driveway clean, turning down guest rooms and keeping the living spaces tidy,” said Sean Larson, an equipment mechanic for custodial services.

“In addition, Jessica routinely goes above and beyond. She comes in early to clear snow, interacts with high-profile visitors and willingly assists with events across campus. What’s more, she does all this while maintaining her cheerful, can-do attitude.”

All SDSU Employee of the Month selections are determined through a nomination process by the Civil Service Advisory Council. Each civil service employee of the month receives an appreciation monetary gift from the F.O. Butler Foundation. The trustees of the foundation recognize the importance of civil service employees and take this opportunity to thank them for their exemplary service.