Larissa Deedrich

Larissa Deedrich is a passionate adventurer with a deep love for horses and creativity.  Growing up near the Illinois River, she first developed her adventurous spirit working at a National Wildlife Refuge and exploring her artistic side through music and pottery.  Although she earned a scholarship to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, her love for horses led her to pursue a degree in Equine Management from Oklahoma State University.  In high school, she thrived in competitive trail riding, spending weekends camping with her horse, Rose. 

 

After college, Larissa gained hands-on experience working on horse ranches in the West. Back in Illinois, she became a successful horse farrier and trainer, making a name for herself as a champion barrel racer in 2002 with her horse, Sister Sue.  In 2007 Larissa began working for the local Housing Authority. Igniting in her a passion for serving others.  She quickly rose through the ranks, spearheading projects like the Blue Sky Meadows subdivision and The Lodge senior living property. 

 

Her journey took her to Racine, Wisconsin, and then to Danville, Virginia, where she made strides in affordable housing initiatives, including senior living apartments and renovations for veterans.  Now residing in Sioux Falls with her husband, Curt Deedrich and their beloved dogs,  Larissa is modernizing housing operations and seeking new opportunities for workforce housing.  And of course, she still enjoys her weekends riding and caring for her beloved horse Velvet, a Missouri Fox Trotter.