2003 Council Development Workshop Participant Bios
Printable Version
Charles “Chuck” Andres, Indiana
I am a graduate of Purdue University with a B.S. degree in Agriculture. I am retired and own and operate a small farm in Northern Dearborn County. I am the past Clerk/Treasurer of the Town of St. Leon and am the current President of the Town Council. I serve on the Town Plan & Zone Commission and the Dearborn County Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee.
I served on the 2002 NRDP Plan Committee and Co-chaired the Mobile Workshop sub-committee of the Indiana Rural Development Council. I am a member of the IRDC Governing Board, and I serve on its Outreach Committee and Environmental Infrastructure Working Group. I serve on the Rural Waste Water Task Force of the Indiana Land Resource Council and am a member of the Southern Indiana Rural Development Partnership.
For twenty-seven-plus years, I was in the livestock feed industry, first as a salesman and working my way through to Regional Sales Manager, Retail Plant Manager, and General Manager of Swift & Co.'s National Feed Division. I then owned and operated two feed mills in Northern Dearborn County.
Just prior to my retirement, I worked in the housing construction industry as a customer service manager for a major supplier to the housing industry in the Cincinnati, Ohio area for about fifteen years.
I have five wonderful, successful children and seven lovely grandchildren.
Chuck Banks, Kansas
A fifth generation Kansan, Chuck was reared on a crop-livestock farm in Pottawatomie County. Following graduation from Kansas State University in 1982 with a degree in Agricultural Economics, he joined Commerce Bank of Kansas City, Missouri with responsibility in the farm management services area. In 1988, Chuck joined BANK IV Kansas, where he headed the Agricultural Management Division, along with responsibility working with rural businesses.
In 1995, Banks joined then Congressman Pat Roberts' staff as his Congressional Director in Kansas. Following the 1996 election, Senator Roberts appointed Banks as his Assistant State Director; specializing in agricultural and rural development issues.
In November of 2001, Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman appointed Chuck as the 13th Kansas Director of USDA Rural Development (formerly known as Farmers Home Administration).
In addition to Chuck's interest in promoting rural Kansas and economic development, he is an active volunteer with numerous non-profit organizations. Currently he serves on the boards of directors for the American Heart Association, Project Topeka, and the Topeka South Rotary Club. In 1993, he also served as Ag Alumni Association President for Kansas State University.
Chuck is the father of two daughters; Ashly is a junior at Topeka High School and Laura is an 8th grader at Washburn Middle School.
Clarke Becker, Colorado
Clarke Becker became the Executive Director of the Colorado Rural Development Council as of May 15th of this year. A resident of Woodland Park, Colorado for 25 years, he was born in Colorado Springs. Clarke graduated from Baker University with a degree in Secondary Education. Following graduation, he taught high school Physical Education and coached football and basketball and at Woodland Park High School. Clarke was the Director of the Teller County Economic Development Council from 1993 to 2003.
Clarke's public service involvement has been concurrent with much of his time as Executive Director of the TCEDC. Clarke served the City of Woodland Park as a Planning Commissioner, Councilman and Mayor from 1986 to 1996. In 1996 he was elected to the Teller County Board of Commissioners, serving through July of 2003.
Clarke has also served as a member of the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments and Chairman two different times; member of the Pikes Peak Workforce Investment Board and Chairman of the Executive Committee and Chairman of the Workforce Development Transition Task Force; Actively involved with Colorado Counties, Inc Steering Committees and the 1999 CCI Commissioner of the year; serves on the Economic Developers Council of Colorado Board of Directors; appointed by Governor Owens to the Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Board; and serves as a member of the BLM, Front Range Resource Advisory Council;
Clarke is married to Joni for 28years, proud father of Kate Gilbert and Jill Becker and Granddad to Kara and Brett Gilbert. “I am very blessed to have them all living in Woodland Park.”
Gerard Bertrand, Rhode Island
Gerard Bertrand is the Executive Director of the Rhode Island Rural Development Council.
Mr. Bertrand's work experience includes seven years with RI Economic Development Corporation as an Account Executive in collaborations with various industry groups in RI, and he has served on the Boards of the RI Printing Industry and the Rhode Island Resource Conservation & Development Council.
Mr. Bertrand has a M.B.A. from Bryant College in Business Management and an undergraduate degree from the University of Rhode Island in Business Administration. He has a career background concentrating on economic development, workforce development, training and human resources. He also worked as a contract consultant in workforce training and organizational development.
His work experience spans many industries including health care, insurance, outside retail sales, government services, and non-profit human services.
Gerry is a lifelong resident of Rhode Island who loves “LOBSTA and CLAM CHOWDA” ---but will be eating steak and ribs in Kansas City.
Sara Braasch, Idaho
Sara Braasch is the new Executive Director of the Idaho Rural Partnership (IRP). The IRP is directed by federal law and state executive order to coordinate the local, state and federal development efforts. The IRP office is based in the Idaho Statehouse and Braasch is traveling extensively in Idaho to complete her duties.
Prior to joining IRP, Braasch was the Executive Vice President of the Idaho Cattle Association and staffed Sen. Larry Craig in his Washington, DC office when he was chairman of the Senate Conservation, Forestry and Rural Development Sub Committee.
In addition to her work with IRP, Braasch is the immediate past chair of the Idaho Food Quality Institute, on the UI College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Dean's Advisory Board and a Board member for the Idaho Council on Industry and the Environment.
Braasch is a graduate of Payette High School and received a bachelor's degree in Economics with honors from Albertson College of Idaho.
Trent Clark, Idaho
Trent L. Clark is Public Affairs Director for Monsanto, an agricultural technology company whose western U.S. manufacturing is based in Soda Springs, Idaho. As a representative of rural manufacturing, he was elected Co-Chair of the Idaho Rural Partnership in 1997, and again in 2002. His involvement with the Partnership started in 1992 when he was invited by the White House to serve as a representative to the Conference on the President's Rural Development Initiative. In 2000, he was asked by Senator Larry Craig of Idaho to draft what became the National Rural Development Partnership Act of 2000 (S. 3175, 106th Congress).
Before joining Monsanto, Trent worked as a State Director of the Farm Service Agency, where he administered USDA farm and conservation programs in Idaho. That appointment followed nearly ten years working as Chief Environmental Economist for the Joint Economic Committee of Congress, and as personal staff to Senator Steve Symms of Idaho. During that time he drafted and assisted in legislating numerous bills, including the Foreign Agricultural Investment Reform Act (Public Law 99-472), the National Environmental Policy on International Financing Act (Public Law 101-240), the "Take Pride in America" Act (Public Law 101-628), the National Recreational Trails Fund Act (Public Law 102-240), and the Private Property Rights Act (S.Amdt. 102-305).
Trent is a summa cum laude graduate of Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho, and finished his undergraduate at Brigham Young University with honors in political science and botany. He has since done graduate work at the Harvard School of Public Health and at La Selva Research Center in Costa Rica.
Robert Coppedge, New Mexico
Dr. Robert Coppedge has been on the New Mexico Rural Development Response Council since its beginning and was recently elected President. He also served as President three years ago. He is currently Interim Associate Dean and Associate Director for the New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service.
He has over thirty years experience as an Extension economic development specialist, conducting programs in business and economic development for companies, communities, and countries. The most recent focus is programs and strategic decision-making principles for businesses and communities on teleliteracy, telecommunications, e-Commerce, e-Business and e-Government. Another current focus is identifying economic clusters and value chains suitable for economic development efforts to integrate businesses and communities into the global economy and the electronic age. Dr. Coppedge is currently developing educational programs for businesses and communities on teleliteracy, e-Government and e-Commerce. He is also chair of a nationally designated committee to obtain funding for telecommunication learning programs available to guide business people and community leaders. Telecommunications policy and trends as they affect strategic decision-making is also a current emphasis.
He has recently conducted economic analysis and developed policies and programs for emerging private sector companies in Latin America. Previous work includes identifying problems and developing solutions for existing businesses as a source of jobs, income and tax base. He has also developed business and economic development training and capacity building programs in community, business, and economic development for business people, community groups, and community leaders.
Lisa Dominisse, Nebraska
Lisa Dominisse is the Director of Rural Development for the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. Newly appointed, Dominisse serves as the Executive Director for the Nebraska Rural Development Commission. In addition, she is working on a statewide rural development plan that will be in concert with the policy recommendations made by the Rural Development Commission, the intent being to move rural Nebraska toward greater prosperity.
Previously, Dominisse served as Director of Program Services for the Department of Economic Development. Her duties in that capacity included acting as liaison for the department with the Nebraska State Legislature, Executive Director of Nebraska Diplomats, Inc., Personnel Officer, Coordinator of the Economic Development Commission, and special projects coordinator. Prior to her tenure in economic development, Dominisse served as Director of Governor Mike Johanns' Western Office in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Before entering state government, Lisa was the Director of the Health Center Foundation at Memorial Health Center in Sidney, Nebraska.
A native Nebraskan, Lisa was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, and graduated from Seward High School in Seward, Nebraska. She is a 1991 graduate of the University of Nebraska—Lincoln, College of Journalism. Lisa is married with two children.
Nancy DuBosque Berliner, New Hampshire
Ms. Berliner has 25 years of professional experience in community development, regional planning and non-profit management. Currently the Executive Director of the New Hampshire Rural Development Council, she has raised over $8 million dollars throughout her career in support of rural agricultural and economic development programs throughout New England. Earlier achievements include the development of the Great Falls Discovery Center on the Connecticut River in Turners Falls, Massachusetts: a $3 million dollar community revitalization partnership between 6 local, state and federal agencies; development of the Western Massachusetts Career Assistance Center funded by the Department of Labor's Industrial Services Program and the Massachusetts Community Technical College System; and 5 years service as Director of Economic Development for the Franklin County Community Development Corporation in Western Massachusetts. She holds an M Ed. in Administration and Organizational Development from Cambridge College, MA and a Graduate Certificate in Community Organization Management from Tufts University Department of Urban and Environmental Policy. Recent awards and recognitions include the 1999 Excellence in Community Stewardship Award from PlanNH, and the National Rural Development Partnership's 2001 Rural Impact Award.
Professional skills include: Facilitation, organizational development, community and economic development, entrepreneurship training, incubator development and management, agricultural training and development, career counseling and job development, non-profit management, self employment contracting, farm management, multi-agency partnership development, civic engagement program development, developing partnerships with higher education.
Federal agency grant and program experience include: USDA-Rural Development RBEG and RBOG, AmeriCorp, HUD-CDBG, SBA lending programs, U.S. Forest Service Economic Recovery Program, EDA, Conservation Fund Gateway Communities Program.
L. Keyth Durham, Nevada
L. Keyth Durham, Chairman of the Nevada State Rural Development Council, is a native of California. He graduated with a Bachelor of Sociology and a Master of Public Administration from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. From 1972 to 2001, Mr. Durham was involved in city management for six cities in California, the last city being Firebaugh, California where he served for eight years as City Manager. In 1998, he was employed as city manager in West Wendover, Nevada. Since March of 2002 he has been employed by the University of Nevada School of Medicine, State Office of Rural Health. He is actively involved in several organizations that deal with rural issues, among which are Chairman of State Advisory Committee on Transit, Chairman, Board of Directors for Nevada Health Centers, Board of Directors, Rural Nevada Development Corporation, Chairman, Elko County Oral Health Care Coalition, Chairman, Wendover Resources Council, Chairman, Wendover Diabetes Coalition.
Cornelius P. Grant, North Dakota
Cornelius Grant and his wife of 40+ years were born and reared in Belcourt, ND. They and their five grown children, all graduates of North Dakota institutions of higher learning, are enrolled Turtle Mountain Chippewa.
In April 1996, Grant retired from 35 years of creditable federal service with the BIA and EDA, where he served as the North Dakota representative for almost 25 years. During this tenure many of the most visible economic and community development projects were completed on the state's four Indian Reservations, Trenton Indian Service Area, and the United Tribes Technical College complex in Bismarck.
He accepted his current position as the first Executive Director of the North Dakota Rural Development Council in May 1996, having since led the unique organization into a substantial number of proactive partnerships in emergency management, strategic planning, leadership, and Indian reservation community and economic development.
Tom Guthrie, Michigan
Tom came to Michigan in 1960 as part of a scholarship program with the American Guernsey Cattle Club. He graduated from Michigan State University in 1965 with a degree in Dairy Science. Tom Guthrie is currently a farmer in Southwestern Barry County. Tom and his family have farmed in the Delton area since 1967. Crops grown include alfalfa, corn, soybeans, wheat, and a farm market with emphasis on sweet corn and vegetables.
Tom accepted the role of Executive Director of the Michigan Integrated Food & Farming Systems (MIFFS) on August 3, 1998. MIFFS is a grassroots non-profit organization working to improve the economic and social well being of Michiganders who grow and eat food, and the environmental well being of Michigan's natural resources. Tom's past activities have allowed him to serve as Vice President of Michigan Farm Bureau and President and Treasurer of Michigan Agricultural Stewardship Association. He represented Michigan on the North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Administrative Council from 1992 until 1997, serving one year as Council Chair. He received Michigan State University's Agriculture and Natural Resources Distinguished Service Award in 1995. He currently serves as a non-profit member and chair of Rural Partners of Michigan.
Under Tom' leadership MIFFS has evolved from a project into a recognized and viable non-profit organization serving some of the unique needs of rural Michigan. Currently MIFFS has active projects involving: farm markets, farmland preservation, the Select Michigan/Buy Local campaign, and a multicultural farmer program in southwestern Michigan. Tom also led efforts with others in the development of Michigan's Partnership for Product Agriculture for the creation of a food and Agriculture Innovation Center in Michigan. Tom's efforts to build partnerships and relationships are key components of his vision and MIFFS strategy as it pursues its Purpose while being guided by its Principles.
Dennis Harding, Iowa
I serve as the Commodity Services Coordinator for the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation. In this position I work primarily in the development of farmer-owned businesses, which further process agricultural commodities. Prior to joining the Iowa Farm Bureau I farmed in northwest Iowa. Having lived in a small rural community, I had the opportunity to serve on the boards of the school, church, bank, development council and other organizations. I enjoyed those experiences and because of my current position, I still get to work with people in rural Iowa who strive to improve their economic opportunities.
I graduated from Iowa State University in Agricultural Business. In addition to farming, my checkered past includes a variety of jobs related to agriculture. I have a daughter who is a sophomore at ISU. My hobbies include going to ISU athletic events, traveling and keeping the house from falling apart.
Kelly Haverkampf, Wisconsin
I am Executive Director of Wisconsin Rural Partners, Inc., an educational, non-profit organization that builds, trains and supports public-private collaborative partnerships to create and implement strategies that improve rural community life across Wisconsin. Wisconsin Rural Partners, Inc. has served as Wisconsin's state rural development council since 1993. I also provide organization, planning, design, and facilitation through a company I share with my husband, called Great Services LLC.
My background includes both public sector and private sector positions, having worked in the Wisconsin Legislature, as Director of Constituent Relations for the Governor of Wisconsin, at the Wisconsin Department of Development (now Commerce), and in my own public relations firm. My areas of career focus include strategic planning, organizational development, community economic development, public relations and design.
I recently retired from the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Leadership Institute, and am current chair of the North Central Regional Center for Rural Development. I also currently serve on Wisconsin's Smart Growth Economic Development Committee. I am a past board member of the National Rural Development Partnership, the Wisconsin Rural Challenge, and the Wisconsin Downtown Action Council. I am a long-time member of the Wisconsin Trust for Historic Preservation.
My educational background includes degrees, certificate and adjunct studies in English, political science, economic development, journalism, public relations, historic preservation, design, organizational development, consensus building, partnership building and collaboration.
I grew up in rural northern Wisconsin (St. Germain, then population 200), where my family ran a vacation resort, attending a four-room K-8 school with two grades per classroom. Much of the curriculum included experiential learning in the community surroundings -- what is now called “place-based” learning. Much of what – and how – I learned has impacted my choice of career, as well as the way I approach my work. I now live in Lodi, Wisconsin (south-central, population 2,882) with my husband and 14-year-old step-daughter. I enjoy reading, traveling, golf, and am an avid genealogist.
Paula Z. Helfrich, Hawaii
Since 1985, Paula's company “Corporate Concepts Issues Management, Inc.” has worked with a number of clients, including the Hawaii Island Economic Development Board, Biosystems Technology Program, Agriculture Based Remediation Program, Rural Economic Transition Assistance, China Clipper Lodge & Coffee Farm, and the Military Affairs Council. Prior to her work with Corporate Concepts, Paula work for Pan American World Airways, Inc., with executive responsibility for sales and marketing activities throughout the Pacific.
Paula's public service and community activities currently include work with the Economic Development Alliance of Hawaii, State Foundation on Culture & Arts, Hawaii Workforce Development Program, Aloha Festivals, Pan American Historical Society, Hawaii Horse Owners Association, and the Pacific Islands Association. Paula is the new Executive Director of the Hawaii Rural Development Council.
In 1964 Paula graduated from Northwestern University in Chicago with a degree in English Literature. She attended Loreto Convent & College in Darjeeling, India from 1956-1962.
Paula was raised and educated in Burma and India and is fluent in French, Burmese, and Hindi. Paula continues to travel, having visited 129 nations, documenting more than 5 million miles air/sea travel. Paula collects Asian/Pacific art and airline memorabilia. Paula has two children, ages 21 and 17. She has lived in Hawaii for 31 years.
Cheryl A. Hinckley, Texas
Cheryl A. Hinckley is entering her 13th year as the Executive Director of the Texas Rural Partners, Inc. (formally known as the Texas Rural Development Council). In 1991 President George Bush appointed Ms. Hinckley to this position. In 1998, Ms. Hinckley formed her own company, and has been contracted by the Texas Rural Partners, Inc. to continue her services as Executive Director to TRP.
In August of 2003, Hinckley received the “Friend of Rural Development” Award from the United States Department of Agriculture, Texas Rural Development. This award was given for her assistance and devotion in working with rural communities throughout the years. In 1997 she received an award from the 13th Legislative Conference sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration for her efforts to marshal resources to help rural communities. In April of 1997, Hinckley was recognized for her continuing work in development of the partnership between the RC&D (Resource Conservation and Development Councils), which contributes to a stronger rural Texas. In 2002 Hinckley received the Ron Shaffer Award from the National Rural Development Partnership.
Hinckley has a diverse background in chamber of commerce work, economic development, construction, oil and gas, ranching, fast food industry, the political arena, and baton and dance studios. Hinckley owns a farm in East Texas.
Hinckley attended American Business College in Wichita, Kansas and has taken continuing education courses at Wichita State University in Kansas and Texas A&M University. She is a member of the Tarrytown United Methodist Church, and in her spare time raises money for the Crockett Library in Crockett, Texas in memory of her late husband, James L. (Jim) Hinckley.
Stephen F. Hoesel, Iowa
Steve is a native of Central Nebraska, born in 1949 in a very small rural farm community, and received his BA and MA from two branches of the University of Nebraska System. He is married, has four daughters, and is heavily engaged in support for the arts in public education. Steve migrated to Iowa in 1976 and specifically to Fort Dodge in 1980 to pursue employment options with regional planning agencies. As the Director of the MIDAS Council of Governments he is keenly aware of the challenges rural communities face as they adjust traditional infrastructure and policies as a means of survival.
Steve has worked his whole professional career helping small rural communities and counties survive in a vastly changing political, social, and economic climate. Many times the operative words are, “It is similar to pushing a rope uphill.” Hard, but it can be done.
Joe Kiely, Colorado
Joe Kiely chairs the Colorado Rural Development Council and is the Town Administrator for the Town of Limon (population: 2100) in eastern Colorado. He has worked in Limon for the past 13 years since coming to Limon to assist with disaster recovery following a tornado in 1990.
Joe has participated in various capacities in Colorado Rural Development Council since its creation in 1993, including several terms on the Board and five months as interim Executive Director. Joe also serves as the Vice Chair of the Ports-to-Plains Trade Corridor Coalition that supports development of a federal high priority transportation corridor from Mexico through Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Colorado, and he is very active in statewide and regional transportation planning in Colorado.
With a B.S. degree in Agriculture Education from Fresno State University, Joe recently was honored for 20 years of service to Colorado 4-H and still raises registered Suffolk sheep with his youngest daughter. He also serves as preacher for two congregations of the Church of Christ in Limon and Byers, Colorado. He is married for 31 years with three grown children and is about to become a grandfather for the first time.
Don Koverman, Indiana
I am in my 30th year working for communities (15 in rural/15 in urban environments), via a variety of organizations including governments (local/county/state), higher education, and a nonprofit organization (a 20-county regional foundation). I have a broad range of experience in the areas of community/economic development, personnel/fiscal management, grants administration, and strategic planning.
My educational experience has provided a strong foundation for my public service career. I have a BA from Butler University (Indiana), a Masters in Public Affairs from Indiana University, as well as post-graduate certificates in public management and community resources form Indiana University and the University of Minnesota, respectively.
Currently I am the Executive Director of the Indiana Rural Development Council, responsible for the day-to-day operation of a public-private partnership responsible for coordinating the efforts of citizens and governments to meet the economic and social needs of 67 rural counties throughout Indiana.
Jolinda H. LaClair, Vermont/New Hampshire
Jolinda is currently the State Director for USDA Rural Development for Vermont and New Hampshire, overseeing operations and personnel for the bi-state jurisdiction. In FY `03, the Agency invested over $110 million in loans, loan guarantees and grants for housing, business and community development in this region.
Prior career experience includes fifteen years working for U.S. Senator James M. Jeffords spanning 1983-2001 as a Caseworker, Office Manager, Legislative Liaison, and State Director in the Congressional office, and positions of Finance Director and Campaign Manager in the Senator's campaigns for U.S. Senate. Jolinda also worked as the Director of Congressional Relations for the Vermont Chamber of Commerce.
Jolinda has a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Vermont and attended Stowe High School. Her professional development includes Mediation Training from Woodbury College, Campaign Management College, State Directors Training and Masters in Public Administration classes. Jolinda is currently on the University of Vermont Extension State Advisors Council and the Board of Directors for the Vermont Council on Rural Development.
Jim Lowery, Washington
Jim Lowery, the Executive Director of the Washington Rural Development Council, has experienced a number of opportunities at the grass roots level of rural. He has worked in the wood products industry as a lumber off bearer, trim saw operator and certified lumber grader. He represented a 1600 member woodworkers union as their business agent and negotiated contracts and represented member grievances.
Jim has owned and operated two businesses in rural Washington. One was a convenience store and the other was an Asphalt business. He worked with dislocated loggers and mill workers through a formal program to help them find work or get retraining. Jim served as Mayor of Shelton a community of 7600 population from 1976 through 1980. He has been a welder's helper, bartender, insurance salesman, loan officer for a finance company, hod carrier for concrete work, truck driver, equipment operator, and farm worker. Jim managed a district office for a member of congress and was most recently the executive director of the Pacific County Economic Development Council. He has a two year degree in computer programming which he received in 1971 when computers will still using data punch cards.
He is married to Barb, 33 years, and has four children and 11 grandchildren and one great grand child. He lives in Centralia Washington and works out of Olympia; and sounds old but is not.
Kathleen McDowell, Utah
Kathleen McDowell is the office manager for Regional Services serving the Utah Rural Development Council, Utah Center for Rural Life, Governor's Rural Partnership, AHEC, and the Assistant Attorney General at Southern Utah University.
Kathleen worked closely with professionals in the city, county, and state levels of economic development and served for ten years in the California county of San Bernardino, primarily in the Industrial/Commercial Marketing and Site Selection, a division of Community and Economic Development. Kathleen provided marketing and site selection data services for public and private entities in and out of the country. Her successes included working on the placements of nine Wal-Mart Stores along the I-10 corridor; Lockheed Aircraft Engine Repair Center and Japan Airlines Pilot Training Center at the closed Norton Air Force Base location. The division also assisted in the job placement of 6,000 displaced civilian workers that resulted from the closures of Norton Air Force Base and George Air Force Base. She has worked for the Utah Rural Development Council for one year and Southern Utah University for three and one-half years.
Kathleen fortunately knew early in her work career that public service provided the most personal satisfaction for her. She enjoys problem-solving and thinking of innovative ways to provide solutions to resolve issues. She believes rural development is so important for maintaining an existence for people who enjoy rural living and deserve the opportunity to maintain the lifestyle.
Her hobbies include scroll saw woodwork, toll painting, hiking, fishing, and camping. Family is the priority and includes growing up with ten brothers and sisters in upstate New York. The immediate family has grown to 67 individuals. Her husband, children, and her grandsons, are the most important thing to her.
Marcie McLaughlin, Minnesota
Marcie McLaughlin is the Executive Director of Minnesota Rural Partners, Minnesota's state rural development council and has served in that capacity since MRP began in 1995. MRP is involved in several projects including entrepreneurship, telecommunications and new agriculture. MRP also hosts the annual Minnesota Rural Summit.
Prior to her tenure as director of MRP, Ms. McLaughlin served as a Renville County Commissioner. She represented her county on many state committees, including the Minnesota River Citizen's Advisory Committee. She has also served as the Chair of the National Association of Counties Rural Development Steering Committee. McLaughlin previously worked with six southwestern Minnesota counties doing comprehensive water planning. She is a trustee of the Blandin Foundation and a board member the Northern Great Plains Initiative.
Marcie McLaughlin received a Master in Public Administration from the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University in the Spring of 2003. She has an education degree from Southwest State University in Marshall, Minnesota and has done Master's work in adult education from Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas. Ms. McLaughlin lives in rural Morton where her family owns and operates Birch Coulee Pottery. Married to Dennis for twenty-six years, they have two grown children, daughter, Claire and son, Ian.
Linda Parquette, Connecticut
I grew up in rural Connecticut, but couldn't wait to go away to "a big city" for college. After a B.A. from University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, and living in Alabama, Boston, and Philadelphia, I moved to rural Amherst, Massachusetts where I received a Master of Regional Planning from the University of Massachusetts. My first planning job was for the antithesis of rural, the City of Toronto. My first child, a daughter, was born there. Next stop was a suburb of Orlando, FL, where I worked as a city planner and gave birth to my son. I finally moved back to Connecticut where I headed a Council of Governments for towns in the most rural region of the state for 10 years. During that time I served on the steering committee that established the Connecticut Rural Development Council. I saw its potential for my towns as a source of information and access to underutilized federal programs and resources.
After 20 years as a municipal and regional planner, I have served as the ED for CRDC for the last 7+ years. Aspects of the job I treasure most are the networking/sharing with colleagues through the NRDP, and working at the grassroots level, helping communities with leadership training and capacity building.
Now divorced (some of you knew me as Linda Cardini), I relocated to southeastern CT last year and am at the beach (Atlantic Ocean) as often as possible, when not figure skating (my other passion). Other off-duty activities include volunteering with the City of New London's Main Street organization and a local historic preservation group and babysitting for my two granddaughters.
Shawn Pritchett, South Dakota
Shawn Pritchett was appointed Executive Director of the South Dakota Rural Development Council effective October 14, 2003. Shawn holds a B.A. degree in Economics from the University of Minnesota, Morris and a M.A. degree in Public Policy from the Humphrey Institute - University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.
Prior to joining SDRDC, Shawn was an Administrator for the Minnesota Supreme Court Office of the Professional Boards. Shawn has prior experience in public policy and economic development as a Program Officer and Policy Analyst for the Midwestern Higher Education Commission where he worked with higher education institutions throughout the Midwest to develop cost saving initiatives through cooperative purchasing and operating strategies. Shawn also developed several research reports dealing with the issues of higher education access and workforce development.
Shawn's personal interest in rural development originates from his experiences growing up on a family farm in rural southwestern Minnesota, 5 miles from the South Dakota border. Shawn and his family relocated to Sioux Falls, SD in September.
Mary Randolph, Wyoming
Mary Randolph is a graduate of the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation and Environmental Education.
Mary joined the National Rural Development Partnership as Executive Director of the Wyoming Rural Development Council (WRDC) in August of 1997. Previous to this position she served 20 years with the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management in Colorado, California, Oregon and Wyoming. She held positions in administration, timber, land management planning, public affairs and her last assignment as District Ranger on the Medicine Wheel Ranger District, Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming.
Mary currently serves as Chairman of the National Rural Development Partnership Executive Board and Vice-Chairman of Partners for Rural America, Inc.
A few examples of programs Mary has been involved in as Executive Director for the WRDC include: helping to create a successful/affordable leadership program for rural communities in Wyoming; developing a process for Conservation Districts to use to develop outreach programs for watershed planning; assisting several school districts in completing strategic plans to qualify for school-to-career grants; strategic planning for organizations and communities; facilitating a resource management plan on the Wind River Reservation; organizing the Wyoming Community Viz™ Partnership; and implementing a community assessment process for Wyoming.
Megan Smith, Oregon
Megan Smith is the Managing Director of the Community Service Center at the University of Oregon and the Program Director of the Resource Assistance for Rural Environments (RARE) Program. She focuses her efforts on assisting rural Oregon in addressing community development and natural resource issues and on service learning that addresses rural needs. As
Director of the RARE Program, Megan is responsible for community and participant recruitment, training and the daily administration of the program.
Megan's planning focus is on watershed management and the role of education and outreach in planning. Her teaching responsibilities at the University include courses in Citizen Involvement and Watershed Planning.
Megan has been on the Executive Committee of the Oregon Rural Development Council (ORDC) for five years, and is the newly elected Chair. She enjoys playing volleyball, rafting and watching or listening to baseball. Megan's greatest claim to fame is that she was kissed by Cary Grant, putting her in the company of Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn.
William H. Sturges, Pennsylvania
On July 1, 2003 Governor Edward G. Rendell appointed William H. Sturges as the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Rural Development Council. The PRDC is an agency within the Governor's Executive Offices charged with the convening, representing, educating and advocating on behalf of the citizens of rural Pennsylvania.
Bill began his career as a dairy farmer in Pennsylvania's Northern Tier, where he was active in numerous rural organizations. He then went on to become the Executive Director of a statewide agricultural trade association. Most recently Bill worked in the Commercial Real Estate business assisting national, regional and local companies with Real Estate and Development requirements.
As a long time advocate of Pennsylvania rural development, he has served in leadership capacities in numerous organizations dealing with Housing, Economic Development, Social Services, Agriculture, Commercial Development and Health Care.
Bill's background will assist him in his capacity as he represents the Pennsylvania Rural Development Council on many bodies, such as the Pennsylvania Public Utility Council on Electric Choice, the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Hardwoods Development Council, the Pennsylvania Health Department, the State Health Improvement Planning Committee, the Governor's Interagency Teams and the Governor's Policy Office.
Scott Truman, Utah
Scott Truman is the executive director for the Utah Rural Development Council and has served in that position since April 1994. Scott currently serves as Vice Chair of the Southwest Utah Policy Action Council (SUPAC), State Board for Utah Area Health Education Centers (AHEC), board member for Utah Small Cities, Inc., Co-chair of the Utah Center for Rural Life, Chair for the Southern Utah Foundation, and on the executive board for the National Rural Development Partnership.
Over the past seventeen years, Scott has worked closely with rural development in conjunction with the Utah Department of Community & Economic Development. He was the designer and fund raiser of golf courses in Ferron and Green River, Utah. He has been active in the following rural issues: community fund raising, agriculture and ranching, mining issues, public land issues, education, environmental issues, and community and economic development.
Scott is married and has five children and two grandsons. He enjoys skiing, golfing, reading, “cowboying” and playing with his grandsons.
Bob Turner, Texas
Bob Turner is a fourth generation Texan from the mid west Texas City of Voss. A former member of the Texas State Legislature, Bob has substantial experience in dealing with government at all levels. Prior to serving twelve years as a member of the Texas House, Bob owned and operated a retail store for 20 years and served with distinction in the U.S. Army reserve for 35 years. He served 17 years as president and member of the local school board, and he has also served as president of the Coleman Chamber of Commerce and president of the Coleman County Farm Bureau, as well as State Director and Vice President of the Texas Farm Bureau. Bob serves as State Chair of the Texas Rural Partners, an association that coordinates rural activities and growth with U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development.
Bob established his rural issues consulting firm in January 2003 after retiring from the Texas House. He maintains a long-standing relationship with key leaders of the House and Senate. In a lobby/consulting role he is an advocate for rural issues including rural health, agriculture, property rights, water and environmental, and rural economic development. His expertise lies in monitoring legislation and committee activity and implementing legislative strategy. Bob promotes client positions through direct interaction with legislators and their staff, as well as interaction with other elected officials and agency representatives.
Bob has been Executive Director of the Coleman Development Company, Inc. for over 10 years. Bob belongs to the Coleman Chamber of Commerce and the Brownwood Chamber of Commerce. He is the music Director/Lay Speaker of the United Methodist Church. Bob is a member of the Taylor and Coleman County Juvenile Justice Council, Texas Rural Firefighters Advisory Council, Texas Farm Bureau, Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association, Texas State Rifle Association and life member of the National Rifle Association. He is a lifetime member of the Texas National Guard Association and the U.S. Reserve Officers Association.
Bob and his wife Ann farm and ranch in Coleman County. He is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas.
Nancy Wheeler-Brown, Florida
Nan Wheeler-Brown, CEO of Rural Resources, Inc., serves as Chair of the Florida State Rural Development Council. She has thirty years of experience as a grant and funding specialist and is a registered lobbyist for rural infrastructure. Her fields of expertise include: Project Planning, Development, Implementation and Evaluation; Project Funding; Staff Training; Project Administration; Lobbying.
She held an appointed position in the Florida Department of Community Affairs during Governor Bob Graham's administration. During the last seventeen years, her consulting firm has served a number of clients including the Farmer's Home Administration-USDA, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Florida Rural Water Association, the Florida Water Partnership, the Florida Counties Foundation, Southeast Rural Community Partnership, Tri-County Community Council and private firms seeking funds for rural projects.
Holly A. Woelber, New Mexico
Holly Woelber, Executive Director of the New Mexico Rural Development Response Council, holds a Bachelor's and Master of Science degree. Ms. Woelber has extensive broad-based experience having worked in the manufacturing industry, post-secondary education, as an Executive Director of federal grant programs, and most recently as the Vice President of Workforce and Education for the Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce. Her experience spans both urban and rural economic and community development areas, with a concentration in human capital development. She has consulted for several years in Texas, Georgia, Washington DC, Tennessee and New Mexico.
Ms. Woelber currently serves as President of the NMSU Extension Support Council, on the Board of Directors of the Belen Chamber of Commerce Board, and as a member of the El Ranchito de los Ninos Development Committee, serving as the In-Kind Donations Chair. She has previously served as councilwoman and Mayor pro-tem for Horizon City, Texas, and as a trustee of the Clint Independent School District, Clint, Texas, as well as a member of numerous Boards and organizations.
Madonna Peltier Yawakie, Minnesota
Ms. Peltier Yawakie is the President and CEO of Turtle Island Communications, Inc. (TICOM). TICOM provides telecommunication-consulting services to tribal governments and organizations that are focused on improving services within tribal land areas. TICOM's consulting services include feasibility studies, market assessments, network designs, business plans, and operational management consulting. Madonna's experience includes working as a Project Manager with an Engineering firm, where she defined and initiated projects for independent telephone companies. Ms. Peltier Yawakie was also employed with US West Communications (now Qwest), where she worked as a technology specialist for public sector marketing, and as a market manager for the US West Tribal Nations Market. Her experience includes managing workgroups, market segments, and sales.
Ms. Peltier Yawakie served as an Advisory Panel Member to the U.S. Congress, Office of Technology Assessment's August 1995 report on 'Telecommunications Technology and Native Americans'. In March 1999, she provided testimony to the Federal Communications Commission on “Obstacles to Improving Telephone Service on Indian Lands.” She serves as Vice-Chair of the Minnesota American Indian Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors; and is an Executive Board of Director member of the Minnesota Rural Partners. She is also a Science Advisory Board Member & Education Advisory Panel Member, National Center for Earth-surface Dynamics, St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, University of Minnesota, 2002 – Present.
Ms. Yawakie has a B.S. in Business Administration and a Master's degree in Community and Regional Planning from North Dakota State University.
