President's Message

As the newly elected President of the National Rural Economic Developers Association (NREDA), I am honored and excited to lead this exceptional organization into another year of growth, learning, and collaboration. NREDA has long been a driving force in advancing rural economic development, and together, we will continue building on that legacy.

 I want to take a moment to thank our past presidents for their incredible leadership and dedication, especially Brittany Dickey, whose vision and hard work has paved the way for NREDA’s continued success. Our past presidents have set a strong foundation, and I am grateful for the opportunity to build upon it. I am also thankful Brittany is going to be there for me to lean on this year!

One of NREDA’s greatest strengths is its commitment to providing year-round value to our members. First, put the 2025 Conference in Nashville on your calendar for November 5-7th. Beyond the conference, we offer an incredible lineup of webinars that keep you informed and connected. These webinars cover timely topics like economic trends, funding resources, and rural entrepreneurship strategies. They’re designed to fit into your busy schedule while equipping you with actionable insights to make a difference back home. Plus, members can go back and watch webinars they may have missed!

Another highlight for the year ahead is our biannual Washington, D.C. Fly-in event in early May, NREDA Board Members meet with strategic partners and policymakers to advocate for rural America. During this fly-in, we represent the interests of membership to policy leaders in D.C. This event is an incredible opportunity to ensure rural issues remain a national priority and to build relationships that support our shared mission, and I’m excited to participate for the first time.

Speaking of value, let’s talk about membership. Whether you’re a seasoned economic developer or just getting started, NREDA offers a network of support that’s second to none. Our members gain access to exclusive resources, professional development opportunities, and—perhaps most importantly—a community of peers who understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing rural America. We are collaborators, problem-solvers, and champions for rural vitality.

If you’re already a member, I encourage you to get more involved this year. Join a committee, attend a webinar, or connect with someone new at the next conference. If you haven’t renewed, please do! We will miss you at the table. Your engagement strengthens our collective impact. And if you’re not yet a member, now is the perfect time to join, and to become engaged. NREDA is not just an organization; it’s a community invested in your success and the success of rural communities across the country.

As we look to the year ahead, my focus as President is to continue amplifying the voices of rural America, fostering innovation, and ensuring that NREDA remains a trusted resource and advocate for our members. Together, we can tackle the challenges ahead while celebrating the wins along the way.

Thank you for entrusting me with this role. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together. Let’s make this year one of growth, connection, and impact for rural economic development! If we haven’t connected, I would love to. Please send me an email or add me on LinkedIn.