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The Board of Directors of Rural Alberta's Development
Fund shape the Fund's direction and policies, reviews
and approves projects for funding and oversees the Fund's
management and administration. The Board is client
driven and results oriented, committed to fulfilling its
mission of fostering growth, prosperity and quality of life
in rural Alberta.
Susan Aris
 A
long history with entrepreneurial activity, Susan has contracted,
coordinated and instructed small business start-ups and entrepreneurial
readiness classes. She has managed several small businesses
including the Tired Ass Ranch, a third generation mixed farming
operation in Southern Alberta. She truly understands
the need for diversity in the board and will contribute greatly
with her entrepreneurial spirit. Susan lives in Lundbreck. Susan resigned from the Board, May 15, 2008.
Alden Armstrong
 A
champion of rural spirit and passionate leader and supporter
of the Metis Settlements General Council. Alden was
raised on the Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement and knows first
hand the challenges facing rural communities as well as the
benefits of a viable and sustainable rural community. Alden
has worked on many development initiatives in northern Alberta
and has a comprehensive understanding and hands-on experience
promoting partnerships that benefit rural and urban Albertans
alike. Alden lives in Paddle Prairie.
Jann Beeston
 Recognized
provincially as a model for partnership and service delivery
to the community as a result of her vision, initiative and
leadership in management. Jann has been actively involved
in initiating and developing programs, resources and partnerships
throughout her career. A diverse background working
with youth through education and volunteerism, Jann's
strengths lie in her ability to engage and mentor people
to create effective management teams committed to building
sustainable community programs and initiatives. Jann
lives in Hanna.
Claudia Buck
 A
solid background in finance, business, management and governance. Claudia
recently sold her interest in a successful agricultural service
business. She has since been active on various committees
involved with regional and community services and understands
the needs of rural and northern Albertans alike in these
areas. Claudia is keenly interested in regional development
and has held positions of responsibility in all aspects of
project development, assessment, reporting, policy development,
research and promotion. Claudia has been a resident of the Peace Country for 25 years, living in Fairview, and now resides in Grande Prairie.
Bob Clark - Chair
 One
of the founding members selected by the province, Bob has
a genuine interest in the continued prosperity of rural Alberta. He
is actively involved in a broad range of community endeavors
working toward the betterment of rural life. Bob served a
term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly, his experience
included serving as the Minister of Youth, Minister of Education,
and as Leader of the Official Opposition. After a successful
consulting career, he became Alberta's first Ethics Commissioner
and later Alberta's first Information and Privacy Commissioner. Bob
continues to serve as the chairman of the board to the Alberta
Junior Hockey League. Bob lives in the Carstairs area.
Jon Close
 A
resident of rural Alberta and a strong advocate for rural
issues. Jon is a proven leader in field of economic
and small business development. He had the privilege
of creating one of Alberta Community Futures Development
Corporations (CFDCs), an organization that is now well established
and one of the key community economic development leaders/supporters
in rural, southeast Alberta. Currently Jon is the executive
director of the Association of 27 CFDCs. He is also
very active in many community volunteer capacities all of
which focus on advancing rural issues. Jon lives in
Cochrane.
Fred Estlin
 One
of the founding members selected by the province, Fred has
demonstrated his commitment to rural development through
his extensive community involvement. Fred is chair of
the Regional Economic Development Committee and sits on the
Executive Committee for the Alberta Economic Development
Authority. He was a member of the provincial government
Rural Development Task Force and vice-chair of the recently
formed Agri-value Investor Network. Fred lives east
of Grande Prairie.
Brad Ferguson
 A
third-generation Albertan who understands the importance
of rural families and prosperous rural communities as they
contribute to the integrity and grassroots values of Alberta. Brad
has advised on the innovation and economic development policies
that shape the competitiveness and productivity of the province.
He is adept in leveraging his knowledge and relationships
to bridge the gap between public and private sector – helping
leaders achieve success. Brad owns and operates Summit
Ranch in Sturgeon County.
Terry Keyko
 A
comprehensive background in developing and managing province-wide
major community, recreational, and cultural projects for
the Government of Alberta, Terry is well positioned to strategically
support the Rural Alberta's Development Fund as the
Managing Director. Terry's leadership and management
skills have influenced many events that have ranging from
provincial awareness efforts to major international events. Most
recently, Terry demonstrated his skills and leadership with
the Alberta's 2005 Centennial where he was responsible
for all legacy and celebration components. Terry lives
in Sherwood Park.
Marie Logan
 A
recipient of numerous awards for her dedication to significantly
enhancing the lives of rural Albertans. Marie is committed
to ensuring the issues of youth development and education
initiatives are given the attention they require. Among Marie's
list of accomplishments and associations include Founding
Director of the Chinook Arch Regional Library System, Trustee
of the Horizon School Division and President of the Canadian
4H Council Board. In addition, she and her husband Glenn
run a pedigreed seed and cattle operation. Marie lives
in Lomond.
Ken Nicol
 An
associate professor at the University of Lethbridge and local
farmer, Ken has first-hand understanding of the need rural
Albertans to be able to access rural-based educational institutions
as well as the challenges of retaining people in rural settings
once they have refined their skills. Ken has had a hand in
politics as a MLA for Lethbridge East with critic responsibilities
for Agriculture, Finance, Treasury, Economic Development
and Aboriginal Affairs. He was also Leader of the Official
Opposition for three years. A consummate author, Ken
has written numerous books, articles and research papers
on various agricultural issues that are inherent in rural
settings around the world. Ken lives in Coalhurst.
Glenn Taylor
 An
accomplished advocate of partnerships and developing effective
working relationships around common interests, Glenn's
involvement on various committees has increased his awareness
and understanding of issues pertaining to healthcare and
seniors needs in Alberta municipalities. In addition,
he has strong commitments supporting Aboriginal-First Nations
communities and is the board chair of the Grande Alberta
Economic Region as well as a member of the board of directors
for the Foothills Model Forest. As the mayor and resident
of Hinton, Glenn has developed strong regional associations,
and has contributed to the first Eco-Industrial Park being
built in Canada. He is committed to developing the economic,
healthcare, cultural and educational base of the Town of
Hinton and regional neighbors.
Eva Urlacher
 An
award recipient for her long-term understanding of, and commitment
and dedication to the community. She is experienced
in the management and operation of a number of diversified
interests including the business operation of two companies
and a hobby farm. Eva's contribution to a number
of volunteer initiatives around the region, including being
appointed to the provincial board that recognizes and supports
volunteer efforts in the province, has led to her involvement
on the board. Eva lives in Cold Lake.
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- Raymond Prins, MLA, Lacombe-Ponoka
- Faye Rault, Assistant Deputy Minister, Organizational Effectiveness and Rural Services Sector, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
- Rick Sloan, Assistant Deputy Minister, Enterprise Division, Alberta Finance and Enterprise
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Terry Keyko, Managing Director
Judy Ferguson, Program Director
Godfrey Huybregts, Comm. Director
Scott Custance, Op. Coordinator
Alison Ward, Project Coordinator
Tom Forgrave, Corporate Secretary
Bev Wourms, Executive Assistant
Elaine Casselman, Administrative Assistant
Lorne Owen, Project Officer – cell 403.604.8799
Valerie Golka, Project Officer – cell 780.901.6980
Kamie Currie, Project Officer – office 780.835.3279 cell 780.251.0119
Northern Sub-office: #106, 10316-109 Street Fairview Alberta, T0H 1L0
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