Sioux Falls, SD – Prairie Family Business Association (PFBA) is pleased to announce Eric Erickson as its new Executive Director. Erickson will lead the organization in its continued mission to help family businesses thrive through generations. He is the sixth Executive Director in the Association’s 34 year history.  

Erickson brings more than 20 years of experience in executive leadership, revenue growth, and partnership development. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Corporate Support for Friends of SDPB, leading philanthropic fundraising efforts in support of South Dakota Public Broadcasting. During his tenure, he grew business support for SDPB by 91 percent in five years, built long-term partnerships with businesses and foundations across the state, and partnered closely with board leadership on governance and strategy. 

Prior to his nonprofit leadership role, Erickson held senior sales and account leadership positions with SDN Communications, Alignex, and CenturyLink, where he consistently exceeded growth targets and developed trusted relationships with business leaders in multiple industries. 

“I’m grateful for the chance to build on the work Stephanie Larscheid, the staff and board have done for members. For years, I’ve heard the same thing from people across the region: Prairie Family Business Association has earned real trust. What stands out most is the mindset of the families themselves; successful leaders willing to learn from one another and from experienced advisors. That shared learning is what keeps family-owned businesses strong across generations,” Erickson said. 

Prairie Family Business Association was founded in 1992 as an outreach center of the University of South Dakota Beacom School of Business. The organization provides educational programming, peer networks and practical resources tailored specifically to the unique dynamics of family-owned businesses. 

“We are delighted to welcome Eric Erickson to Prairie Family Business Association. Eric’s experience and vision will ensure a smooth transition and successful future of PFBA. The Beacom School of Business has a well-developed relationship with PFBA which will continued to grow even stronger under Eric’s leadership,” said Klaus Beckmann, Interim Dean of the University of South Dakota Beacom School of Business. 

Erickson holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications from South Dakota State University and has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to community engagement and leadership through board service, mentoring and statewide initiatives. 

“PFBA has always been about relationships, shared learning and long-term success for family businesses. Eric understands that mission at its core. His proven ability to grow partnerships, build trust and work collaboratively with boards and business leaders positions us well for our next chapter. We are excited for the energy and vision he will bring to our members and the broader business community.”” said Christie Ernst, PFBA Advisory Board Chair and second generation leader at Lloyd Companies. 

As Executive Director, Erickson will work closely with the PFBA Advisory Board, sponsors, university partners and member businesses to continue strengthening the Association’s impact across South Dakota and the surrounding region. 

About Prairie Family Business Association (PFBA): Prairie Family Business Association was founded in 1992 as an outreach center of the University of South Dakota Beacom School of Business. PFBA helps family businesses thrive through generations by providing a resource network for family business success. The Association serves more than 280 member businesses throughout the Upper Midwest and beyond.