About us.
Leech Lake Financial Services promotes the economic well-being of individuals and families by providing safe and affordable financial products and financial training. Whether you want to start a business or build a better credit history, LLFS has products designed for you.
We provide a safe space for our community to share their deepest financial concerns and ask questions in private. Since 2012, LLFS has worked to build trust with the community by holding to sound, ethical practices grounded in Anishinaabe values. We provide more than financial products, we actually listen to our client needs.
We aren’t a hand-out, we are a hand-up!
What makes us different.
We are a nonprofit corporation created under Title 8 of the Leech Lake Reservation Tribal Court Code. This is important to us because it empowers up to operate as a separate entity.
LLFS has a Board of Directors comprised of area bankers, planners, educators, lawyers, and accountants. We have our own office and policies that are designed to uphold ethical practices and meet the needs of our community.
We are a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) certified by the US Treasury Department. We must meet strict financial and service requirements to maintain our certification.
With the support of private foundations, State and Federal dollars, we are able to provide financial development services (training and technical assistance) and loan products to meet the needs of our clients.
Our expert team.
We are made up of a team of dedicated individuals who serve the communities’ needs. We strive to help our community understand, grow and achieve financial strength.
Robert Aitken III
Executive Director
Phone: 218.339.3940
Email:
[email protected]
Rob is a certified financial trainer and coach. He has a law degree from the University of North Dakota School of Law and served as the President of the UND Native American Law Students Association. He also has a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management from Gustavus Adolphus College.
Pamela Spong
Operations & Financial Manager
Phone: 218.339.3940
Email: [email protected]
Pam has served many critical and impactful roles with Leech Lake Financial Services since its inception in 2012. She truly has a heart for helping others. She has a B.S. degree in Management & Leadership, is a Certified Human Resource Manager, and is certified in the Fundamentals of the Opportunity Finance Industry / Community Development Finance.
Lynn Allen
HUD-certified Coach
Phone: 218.339.3940
Email: [email protected]
Lynn started working at Leech Lake Financial Services in 2015. She is not only a HUD-certified Homeownership Coach, but she is also one of our trusted Loan Officers and a financial trainer. She guides our clients through the home buying experience and any financial assistance they may need along the way.
Lynn Wessel
Office Manager / Loan Officer
Phone: 218.339.3940
Email: [email protected]
Lynn brings 32 years of diverse experience in the banking industry and has also served as the financial manager for a local nonprofit legal services organization. Passionate about helping others, she is excited to leverage her expertise to make a positive impact in her new role at Leech Lake Financial Services.
Randy Finn
Community Development Director
Phone: 218.339.3940
Email: [email protected]
Randy has a B.A. and M.A., and extensive Tribal Government management and administration experience. He has experience in grassroots community development, nonprofit development, and management experience. He has served on a number of organization boards including regional development commissions. He is an enrolled member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe.
Dan Evans
Project Development
Phone: 218.339.3940
Email: [email protected]
Dan Evans holds a BS degree from BSU and brings over 40 years of experience in regional economic and business development. A seasoned business owner, Dan has successfully operated a resort, restaurant, and consulting company. He previously served as Commissioner of Development for the Wisconsin Ho-Chunk Tribe and as Economic Development Director for the White Earth and Leech Lake Bands.
Larry Refsland
Project Development
Phone: 218.339.3940
Email: [email protected]
Larry Refsland joins LLFS with decades of real estate and lending experience. Having served as President of Western Bank in Cass Lake for over 10 years, he knows the community and understands the needs and opportunities that exist. His background includes a career in real estate sales starting in the Twin Cities in the 80’s. He moved into lending in the mid 90’s and specialized in new construction financing.
William Ethier
Board Member
Phone: 218.339.3940
Email: [email protected]
Will acts as a liaison to the Gaming operation advisers on the processes and internal structure of the Band’s Gaming Operation. Associate Member for the Institute of Internal Auditors and Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.
Breanna Miettinen
Board Member
Phone: 218.339.3940
Email: [email protected]
Breanna has a B.S. in Accounting from Bemidji State University, she understands the accounting side of the CDFI and the issues impacting the tribal membership and communities.
Sarah Kuesel
Board Member
Phone: 218.339.3940
Email: [email protected]
Sarah established and managed tribal corporate accounts for Deerwood bank with 11 years’ experience in private banking operations.s.
Jaimee Meyer
Board Member
Phone: 218.339.3940
Email: [email protected]
Jaimee has a B.S. in Marketing Communication from BSU. Received certification in Social Media from the National Institute of Social Media.
Jeff Everhart
Board Member
Phone: 218.339.3940
Email: [email protected]
Jeff has an MBA in accounting with more than 20 years of experience in construction and banking. He is a part of the Lending Committee Member.
Katie Guthrie
Board Member
Phone: 218.339.3940
Email: [email protected]
Katie is a cosmetologist and local business owner. Offering management and Leadership to 11 Stylists in her salon. She is a part of the Lending Committee Member.
Gordon Fineday
Board Member
Phone: 218.339.3940
Email: [email protected]
Gordon is a Deputy Director of Leech Lake Band. He assists in projects related to self-governance, economic and community development, human services, and health.
Contact Us Today
We would be delighted to answer any questions you might have about our services.
We are available from Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM to take your call.
218.339.3940