About

Michael L. Bockorny

CEO

Michael Bockorny is a South Dakota native, born and raised in Huron, SD. He attended Northern State University where he graduated with a degree in Business Management. He also holds an MM from the University of Mary and is a Certified Master Economic Development Practitioner (MEDP) through a consortium of Clemson University, University of Alabama, Texas Christian University, and the University of Southern Mississippi.

He served as CEO of the Aberdeen Development Corporation for over 10 years and prior to that worked in the private sector in senior living and the non-profit sector in a university setting. Michael has served on numerous Boards through the years; including the Northern State University Foundation, Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, Lake Area Technical College and numerous others.

Michael has founded/co-founded 18 companies throughout the years and has also taught multiple college courses, primarily focusing on entrepreneurship and small business management. Michael’s business ventures include multi-family rentals, single family housing developments, various commercial ventures including historic downtown restoration projects and consulting businesses. Michael and his wife, Kristi also opened a bookstore downtown Aberdeen in November 2024 called Novel Ideas.

He and wife Kristi (a native of Leola, SD is currently the Dean of the School of Business at Northern State University) have three children, two daughter-in-laws and a fur baby; Matthew (Aubrey), Connor (Ryleigh), Emily and Charlee Puppy.

Call Mike at 605.228.5689
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Emily Bockorny

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Emily is entering her senior year at Minnesota State University Moorhead, where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Advertising and Public Relations with minors in Media Analysis and Mass Communications. A graduate of Aberdeen Central High School (Class of 2023), Emily has built a strong foundation in communications through both academic and professional experiences.

During her junior year, Emily was a member of her university’s student-run advertising agency, where she collaborated on real-world marketing and advertising projects for clients. She has also gained valuable industry experience through internships with the Aberdeen Development Corporation, Hub City Radio, and Dakota News Now.

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Laurie Kreber

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Laurie Kreber joined The EDPA in May 2025 as the Administrative Assistant.

Laurie grew up in Aberdeen, SD and graduated from Northern State University with degrees in Finance and General Business. She is married to David, and they have 3 college-aged boys.

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