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Eli Svaty is the Executive Director of the Seward County Development Corporation (SCDC), where he leads the organization’s efforts to foster economic growth, support entrepreneurship, and strengthen the local business ecosystem in Liberal, Kansas, and the surrounding region. Since stepping into the role in 2019, Eli has helped expand SCDC’s impact through strategic planning, public-private partnerships, and innovative programs that address the unique challenges of rural economic development.
A native Kansan with deep ties to both education and business, Eli brings over 20 years of experience in public service, including a successful career as a high school English teacher and later as a municipal economic development director. His diverse background enables him to communicate effectively with stakeholders across sectors—from local entrepreneurs and corporate investors to government agencies and nonprofit leaders.
Eli’s leadership has been instrumental in launching initiatives such as the local Financial Services Hub and a retail recruitment campaign that leverages community incentives and infrastructure planning to attract national tenants. He is known for his collaborative approach, data-informed decision-making, and tireless commitment to helping small businesses grow and thrive.
Outside of his role at SCDC, Eli enjoys spending time with his wife and four children, often building LEGO sets or hiking in the mountains. He remains passionate about education, innovation, and building a future in which rural counties like Seward can lead in entrepreneurship, sustainability, and economic development.
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Raquel Arellano is the Director of Entrepreneurship at the Seward County Development Corporation (SCDC) in Liberal, Kansas, where she has served since January 2022. In her role, she is committed to matching local entrepreneurs with the resources, training, and support they need to succeed. A native of Liberal, Raquel has owned and worked in small businesses within the community, giving her a personal understanding of the challenges entrepreneurs face and the drive it takes to succeed.
Raquel’s belief that leaders are lifelong learners drives her passion for coaching. She dedicates her time to providing entrepreneurs with practical advice and valuable content they can immediately apply to grow their businesses. In recognition of her hard work and dedication to the local business community, Raquel was named Heritage to Legacy Business Advocate of the Year in 2024.
In addition to her role at SCDC, Raquel serves as the Senior Administrator for Libertad En Cristo Ministries, a nonprofit Christian radio ministry founded by her family. Her work there allows her to further serve the Hispanic Southwest Kansas community and beyond.
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Tom Reynaga serves as the Financial Services Specialist at the Seward County Development Corporation (SCDC), where he provides financial counseling, coaching, and literacy education to small business owners in Seward County. With nearly two decades of experience in the banking industry, Tom brings a wealth of knowledge in financial management, lending, and customer service. His role at SCDC focuses on helping entrepreneurs understand and navigate the financial aspects of their businesses, including cash flow management, financial projections, and bookkeeping.
Tom joined SCDC in January 2025, continuing his long-standing commitment to supporting the economic vitality of Southwest Kansas. His journey into finance was inspired by his father, who worked at an agricultural bank in Mexico. After graduating from Liberal High School in 2005, Tom began his career at First National Bank, where he advanced from teller to loan officer. Most recently he worked with an excellent team in Liberal with Bank of the Plains as Vice President Commercial Loan Officer.
A long-time resident of Liberal area since 2002, Tom has built many strong connections within the community. These relationships allow him to better understand the needs of local business owners and provide guidance rooted in real-world experience and local insight.
Committed to fostering small business growth, Tom offers his services to all Seward County residents. He believes in equipping entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge they need to make informed financial decisions, enabling them to grow sustainable businesses and contribute to a thriving local economy.