About Us
Who we are
Over the past century, the residents of Seward County have survived floods, droughts, dust storms, and just about anything else mother nature has to offer. Through it all, the resilience of its people and its communities has triumphed, building this region into a hub of agriculture, industry, and commerce.
The most recent effort to grow this region began in the fall of 2018 when a group of local government officials, business leaders, non-profits, and citizens formed The Seward County Development Corporation. We are a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit organization that works to improve the lives of all Seward County residents through community development, business expansion, workforce development, and industry recruitment.
Whether you are a business looking to relocate to the area, a local entrepreneur starting your own company, an established business planning an expansion, or a non-profit seeking funding opportunities, let us help you prosper in Southwest Kansas.
We specialize in connecting local businesses and organizations to the resources they need to thrive.
Eli Svaty
Executive Director
Eli Svaty was hired in August of 2019 to serve as the first executive director of the Seward County Development Corporation. Born and raised on a farm in Ellsworth, Kansas, he received his Bachelor of Arts in Language and Literature from Sterling College in 2006. That fall, he moved to Liberal, Kansas, and began his career as a high school English teacher for USD 480, serving as the Language Arts Department Chair from 2009-2019.
After twenty years, Mr. Svaty considers Liberal home. It is where he met his wife and where they are raising their four children. As the executive director of the development corporation, he works to increase Seward County's economic presence in Kansas. Liberal and Kismet have provided opportunities for both people and businesses for more than a century, and we must actively engage all members of our communities if we hope to thrive through another century.
Raquel Arellano
Director of Entrepreneurship
Raquel Arellano began work for the Seward Co. Development Corporation in January 2022 as the Director of Entrepreneurship. Her job is to match entrepreneurs with the resources they need to succeed as business owners. She is a native of Liberal, KS and has owned and worked in small businesses in the community. She knows what it means to need someone in your corner who values the hustle that's in every entrepreneur. Raquel believes leaders are learners, which is why she spends time coaching and arming our entrepreneurs with valuable content they can implement into their businesses today.
Tom Reynaga
Financial Services Specialist
Tom Reynaga is the Financial Services Specialist at the Seward County Development Corporation (SCDC), where he offers financial counseling, coaching, and literacy education to small business owners across Seward County. With nearly 20 years in banking—including roles from teller to Vice President Commercial Loan Officer—Tom brings deep expertise in lending, financial management, and customer service. A resident of Liberal since 2002 and a Liberal High School graduate, he draws on strong local ties and personal experience to guide entrepreneurs in areas like cash flow, projections, and bookkeeping. Inspired by his father’s work in an agricultural bank in Mexico, Tom is committed to helping businesses thrive and promoting economic vitality throughout Southwest Kansas.
Board of Directors
Every member of our board of directors is a thought leader who has made significant contributions to our community.
Each one brings a unique set of skills and expertise to our organization.
Board Members:
- Presephoni Fuller (County Commission)
- April Warden (County Administrator)
- Brad Bennett (President of SCCC)
- Brad Carr (At-Large Member - Bank of Beaver City)
- Debra Huddleston (Liberal Area Coalition for Families)
- Jeff Parsons (City Commission)
- Norma Jean Dodge (Seward County Community College)
- Rod Lewis (City of Kismet)
- Rozelle Webb (Focus on the Future)
- Scarlette Diseker (City Manager)
- Tony McKee (At-Large Member - Southern Office Supply)
