Scott Lively - Founder & CEO

Before founding Dakota Beef six years ago, Mr. Lively demonstrated leadership and innovation in a number of entrepreneurial companies.  He has more than ten years of experience in developing and executing strategic and operating growth plans for some of the world's largest supply chain management companies, including Siemens, Sterling Commerce, Mobius Management Systems and IONA Technologies. Mr. Lively has recently completed a book that analyzes the history and future direction of the beef industry. 

Flint McCullough - CFO

Mr. McCullough comes to Dakota Beef as an experienced finance executive in the agricultural and meat packing industries. Mr. McCullough has spent several years with Brookfield Farms, four years at Swissland Packing and twelve years at Bunge, where he was exposed to and oversaw grain accounting at various locations across the country.

Matt Grove - Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing

As one of the first employees of Dakota Beef, Mr. Grove grew the Company's sales from zero to what they are today.  Mr. Grove is a seasoned sales executive who has used his business development skills to grow a number of organizations from early stage businesses into sizeable companies.  He joined Dakota Beef from Bridge Conferencing, a successful Internet conferencing service he co-founded.

Evan Whitley, Ph.D. - Executive Vice President Livestock Management

Prior to joining with Dakota Beef, Dr. Whitley spent 8 years with the Samuel Robert's Noble Foundation as a Livestock Consultant and a member of their Agricultural Division's management team.  While with the Noble Foundation his primary duties included assisting livestock producers in the areas of: genetic management (including bull and female selection), supplemental feeding program design, animal handling techniques and working facilities design, as well as providing marketing assistance and analysis.  Dr. Whitley received a Bachelor of Science in Range Management, a Master of Science in Range Nutrition and a Doctor of Philosophy in Beef Cattle Management/Nutrition.

Steve Hanley - Vice President Live Division

Mr. Hanley's expertise in the banking and financing of agriculture and livestock is an invaluable asset for Dakota Beef.  Prior to assuming this position, Mr. Hanley was President of the Community First Bank in Clark, South Dakota, where he managed the finances of the majority of cattle producers in South Dakota.  He is also a successful entrepreneur in the natural healthcare industry.