We Know Rural

Small Team, Big Heart

Meet Our Team

We’re a group of community-minded thinkers, doers, and advocates who care deeply about the future of rural places. Each of us brings something a little different to the table, but we’re united by one mission: helping rural people, businesses, and communities thrive.

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Darcy Andersen

Recruiter

Darcy brings a genuine understanding of rural communities. She grew up along the Vermillion River in rural Turner County, SD, and recently returned to take over her family’s 150-year-old farm. A proud SDSU grad, Darcy spent 21 years in TV news before making a career change to join PorchLight as a recruiter. Deeply rooted in small-town life, her graduating class from Hurley High had just 13 students. She’s also the president of the Turner County Fair Board, a big supporter of 4-H, and enjoys baking, growing cut flowers, and spending time with her nieces. She shares the farm with two donkeys, a Newfoundland named Oklahoma Thunder, and a few barn cats.

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Berk Ehrmantraut

Director of Policy & Communities

Berk is our Director of Policy and Communities where he helps rural communities tackle workforce challenges like housing, childcare, and employee attraction. Originally from Beresford, SD, he grew up across the Dakotas and earned his degree in Communication, Legal Institutions, Economics, and Government from American University in Washington, D.C. Berk’s career has taken him from South Dakota political campaigns to national advocacy work in D.C., where he helped secure funding to fight global infectious diseases. Most recently, he led a major political nonprofit in South Dakota, where he revitalized operations and expanded the organization’s impact. He now lives in Sioux Falls with his wife, Keeley.

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Jessica Meyers

Chief Executive Officer

Jessica Meyers grew up in the small towns of Winner and Vermillion, SD, and earned her degree from SDSU. After a decade living in major U.S. cities, she’s now settled in Sioux Falls with her family. With over 20 years of experience in sales and recruiting, spanning publishing, healthcare, and more, Jessica has led national teams and earned top honors along the way. She’s now the co-founder and CEO of PorchLight, helping rural communities attract and retain talent. Jessica is the visionary who created the first-ever PorchLight Certification, a platform that connects rural workforce development with real job opportunities.

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