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Center for
Rural Policy
and Development
About the Center
The Center for Rural Policy and Development, based in St. Peter, Minn., is a non-partisan, not-for-profit policy research organization dedicated to benefiting Minnesota by providing its policy makers with an unbiased evaluation of issues from a rural perspective. To fulfill this mission, we work with academic and non-academic researchers from throughout the state to design and conduct our research projects.
The Center's board members come from all over the state, representing a variety of interests. Fifteen are appointed by the Governor and represent different aspects of rural Minnesota, while five are at large positions, nominated and voted on by the board members themselves. The board works closely with staff to help guide the direction of the Center, to set research priorities and to help make the Center a presence in the rural policy community. To view our strategic plan, click here.
Brad Finstad
Executive DirectorMarnie Werner
Research managerYvonne Simon
Outreach director
Lois Mack
Chair
WatervilleTimothy Houle
Crow Wing County Administrator
BrainerdWilliam McCormack
Vice Chair
The Schwan Food Co. (retired);
Schwan's Development Co.;
Schwan's Venture Group Inc.
Marshall
Cynthia Johnson
Minnesota Farmers Union
Fergus FallsGarfield Eckberg
Secretary/Treasurer
Minnesota Farm Bureau
NicolletDave Ladd
AgriBank
WoodburyMichael M. Brethorst
City of Barnesville
BarnesvilleSandy Layman
Iron Range Resources
CohassetBen Brunsvold
Clay County Commissioner
MoorheadJohn Monson
AgStar FinancialRep. Kathy Brynaert
Minn. House of Representatives
MankatoSen. Dan Sparks
Minn. Senate
AustinRichard Davenport
Minnesota State University, MankatoNancy Straw
West Central Initiative
Fergus FallsNeil Eckles
Blue Earth Valley Communications
Blue EarthSteve Wenzel
Central Lakes College
BrainerdJames Hoolihan
Blandin Foundation
Grand Rapids
