This WC Conversation is with Dee Ann Benard, Executive Director with Rural Development Network.   Dee Ann Benard is the inaugural Executive Director of the Rural Development Network (formerly known as the Alberta Rural Development Network). Dee Ann has over 15 years of experience as an Executive Director and has spent over 25 years working in rural Alberta. With this experience, Dee Ann leads the RDN, helping smaller communities navigate the landscape of rural development in areas such as building affordable housing, addressing homelessness, increasing immigration, supporting agri-food initiatives, and finding solutions to big issues such as transportation and community sustainability.   

The RDN has a vested interest in seeing communities thrive, not just survive, and is well-positioned to assist them through the complicated processes. Dee Ann has a B.Sc. and M.Sc. from Simon Fraser University. She has worked for government, private industry and not-for-profits in her career.  

https://www.ruraldevelopment.ca/

[email protected]

Phone: 780.964.2736