Distinguished Alumni KELLY (MATTHAEI) WEAVER ‘87 For nearly three decades, Kelly Weaver has been helping entrepreneurs transform ideas into successful businesses, strengthening communities across northeastern South Dakota through economic development, education and mentorship. A 1987 graduate of Northern State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration, emphasizing finance and management and an economics minor, Weaver has built a career dedicated to empowering others and creating opportunities for growth. As regional director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Weaver serves a 13-county region in northeastern South Dakota, providing guidance and expertise to entrepreneurs at every stage of the business lifecycle. Since joining the SBDC in 1998, she has worked with more than 3,000 individuals exploring business ownership, launching startups, purchasing existing businesses, expanding operations or planning for succession. Through one-on-one consulting, financial planning assistance and business development support, Weaver has helped facilitate over 300 startups, business purchases and expansions that contributed more than $119 million in investment. In addition, she has participated in nearly 300 training sessions, most as the lead instructor, reaching more than 6,000 aspiring and established business owners. Weaver’s passion for entrepreneurship extends beyond individual consulting. She plays a pivotal role in cultivating the next generation of business leaders through the BIG Idea Competition, a business idea competition for high school students. Since helping launch the program in 2007, she has served as its coordinator, guiding its growth from a regional competition with 101 entries from 10 schools to a nationally recognized event attracting hundreds of participants annually. The competition, hosted at Northern State University and supported by community volunteers and sponsors, encourages students to think creatively, identify opportunities and explore entrepreneurship as a viable career path. More than 6,000 students have participated in the program since its inception. “He’s not only an extremely successful teacher at Aberdeen Roncalli, but he’s also dearly loved,” Schwan said. “We could not be prouder. Our hearts nearly burst when he was named a highly esteemed Milken Educator.” Beyond the classroom, Gallagher has emerged as a leader and advocate for education throughout the state. He served as a keynote speaker for Northern’s rededication of the H.P. Gerber Building and the university’s Learning Expo for students exploring careers in education. He has presented at the South Dakota High School Football Coaches Association Coaching Clinic and helped organize the South Dakota Milken Network, bringing together Milken Educators across the state to support current and future teachers. His contributions have earned additional recognition, including being named one of Aberdeen’s Top 4 Under 40 honorees in 2026 and being featured on the cover of the Diocese of Sioux Falls’ Bishop’s Bulletin magazine. Despite the accolades, Gallagher remains focused on what matters most: helping students discover their potential. He often speaks about the importance of relationships, service and helping young people recognize their value and ability to make a difference. “We were empowered every day in every class, on every project and in every passing conversation,” Gallagher said of his experience at Northern. “The staff here recognized the true importance of education, and that is to make sure every student understands that they matter and they have the opportunity to be successful in whatever it is that they choose to do.” Through his dedication to students, commitment to educational excellence and passion for serving others, Gallagher exemplifies the impact Northern graduates can have on their communities. As he continues to take on new leadership roles, his influence will undoubtedly extend far beyond the classroom, inspiring the next generation of learners, leaders and educators. 9
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