Rita Anderson spent her career as an economic development practitioner, with over three decades of experience in the field. Her career started in Yuma, Colorado in 1991 and wrapped up with her retirement as the Executive Director of the De Smet Development Corporation in 2023. During her career, Rita oversaw projects such as the recruitment of manufacturing and retail businesses to the community, housing development, development of community facilities in several different communities, to name a few. She is an active advocate for community & economic development and rural communities with her involvement in statewide organizations to promote economic development efforts, including workforce, housing, childcare, trails, tourism, community projects and wellness efforts with South Dakota Legislature and strong working relationship with State of South Dakota Departments. She continues to serve on the De Smet Development Corporation board.