Denise Kneifl

General Manager

Denise started her role as General Manager of RTEC in January of 2024 and has 20 years of Manufacturing and manufacturing management experience.

Denise is excited to lead RTEC into continued growth of its programs and its strong commitment to developing skilled employees for local employers.

Born and raised in northwestern Wisconsin, Denise earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Engineering Technology from the University of Wisconsin River Falls.  She started her career in animal Nutrition in upstate New York, was transferred to Sioux City, Iowa in 1999, where she opted to start her manufacturing career.  Prince Manufacturing in North Sioux City, SD gave her the opportunity to start in their engineering department as a drafter and worked her way up to General Manager of their Sioux City Facility. 

 In 2019, Denise moved into a position with Astec Industries in Yankton.  While at Astec she served on the RTEC board of Directors.  Around that same time she also started teaching Excel classes through RTEC.  When the position of General manager became available she felt that this was a good fit for her and was excited to be able to lead the organization. In her spare time, Denise enjoys reading, crafting, gardening and camping with her family.

Contact Denise: dkneifl@rtecedu.org | (605) 668-5700

 
 
 
 

Lex Frye

Receptionist/Office Assistant

Lex is the “Face of RTEC”!

She’s the first person most people meet. Lex has over 20 years of customer service experience in the Cosmetology & Massage Therapy industry in addition to 6 years as the owner/operator of a successful Cosmetic Tattooing/Therapeutic Massage clinic.

Frye’s list of professional credentials include:

  • Cosmetology License-SD Board Certified

  • Cosmetic Tattooing

  • Associates Degree in Therapeutic Massage

  • Mary Kay-Skincare & Beauty Consultant, serving Yankton County

A native of North Dakota, Lex has spent most of her career in Sioux Falls, SD. She and her 2 daughters moved to Yankton in March of 2020 and have become actively involved at River City Assembly.

Lex has been part of RTEC since June of 2021, her extensive customer service experience has helped make her an integral part of the team.

Contact Lex: lfrye@rtecedu.org | (605) 668-5700

 
 
 
 
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John Darcy

CTE/Welding Manager

John Darcy is RTEC's full-time career and technical education Manager.

John’s professional work experience includes 5 years as an electrician in Yankton, 10 years as a maintenance/safety technician for Sapa, and 2 ½ years as a crew supervisor for multiple crews for Price Gregory on the Trans Canada Pipeline Project.

Darcy’s list of professional credentials include:

  • Associate of Applied Science Degree from Northeast Community College, Norfolk, NE – Electrical: Residential / Commercial

  • RTEC Welding InstructorRTEC CNC Machining Instructor

  • AWS Certified Welding Educator

  • AWS Certified Associate Welding Inspector

  • LEED Green Associate Certification – current

He also carries CNC (Computer Numeric Controlled) Machining Certifications from HAAS Automation, Inc:

  • HAAS TM Operator Training

  • HAAS CNC Mill Programming

  • HAAS TL Operator Training

  • HAAS CNC Lathe Programming

With John’s educational background and skill sets, RTEC is able to deliver top notch CTE training. His versatility and knowledge make him a valuable asset not only to RTEC but to the community as well.

 
 
 
 
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Bob Olson

AWS WELDING INSTRUCTOR

Bob Olson, CWI / CWE, is a pillar in the RTEC welding program. Bob has been a welding instructor since the start of RTEC in 2004.  Along the way, he has taught numerous RTEC welding courses and served as a welding mentor for those in the industry. Olson’s professional work experience includes 28 years as a welder and quality inspector for ASTEC in Yankton. Bob also has 50 plus years of professional welding experience.

Olson’s list of professional credentials include:

  • AWS Certified Welder

  • AWS Certified Weld Inspector

  • AWS Certified Welding Educator

 
 
 
 

Dan Mason

Welding Basics Instructor

Dan, married with 2 daughters and 8 grandchildren, resides here in the Yankton Community. In the past, Dan was an EMT for the Yankton County and was also a volunteer at the Pleasant Hill Fire Department. Dan recently retired from the City of Yankton Water Department after 25 years as a Utility Worker. He was responsible for meter reading, pump station operation and maintenance, sewer system maintenance, water distribution, other water services as well as meter installations.

Dan holds several Certifications in the following:

  • Restricted Plumbing Contractor

  • Class 3 Wastewater Collection Operator

  • Class 3 Water Distribution Operator

  • CDL

  • AWS Certified Welder

Dan has chosen to spend his retirement towards the success of our students here at RTEC and throughout our community.