Jared McEntaffer is the CEO and Chief Economist of the Dakota Institute, where he leads a team dedicated to understanding and strengthening South Dakota’s economy. A South Dakota native, McEntaffer has built his career around making economic data work for the people and communities of his home state. He earned his bachelor’s degree from South Dakota State University and his PhD from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and after launching his career teaching at The Penn State University, he returned to South Dakota to put that expertise to work closer to home. His research focuses on economic impact modeling, economic forecasting, regional economics.

The Dakota Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to bringing rigorous economic research to South Dakota. The Institute tackles the questions that shape the state’s future — housing affordability, workforce development, agricultural markets, and regional growth — and translates complex data into clear, actionable findings. Drawing on federal data sources, state and local records, and proprietary market data, the Dakota Institute equips businesses, communities, and policymakers with the evidence they need to make well-informed decisions. Through economic impact studies, public presentations, and custom research partnerships, the Institute works to strengthen the analytical foundation South Dakota’s leaders rely on.