Our Team
Bonita Robertson-Hardy
Co-Executive Director
Chris Estes
Co-Executive Director
Tyler Bowders
Senior Program Associate
Erin Cahill
Director of Communications
Evan Zislis
Director of Community Engagement, Hurst Community Initiative
Advisory Groups
Rural Equity Research Advisors
The Rural Equity Research Advisors (RERA) is composed of academic researchers focusing on rural development issues — with a particular focus on issues impacting rural communities of color. This group convenes to identify gaps, understand and promote current research, and advise/author upcoming briefs.
The RERA was formed in consultation with researchers Brian Dabson and Marjory Givens, who provide ongoing strategic guidance and support.
Rural Action Roundtable on Equity
In 2022, Aspen CSG launched its first Rural Action Roundtable on Equity (RARE) advisory group, bringing together ten rural leaders to help reimagine how we approach rural and regional development. These leaders represent the rich diversity of rural America, spanning different regions, issues, races, and cultures.
While Aspen CSG holds existing relationships with each of these ten leaders, we are proud to formalize this two-year-long partnership by providing a significant honorarium for sharing time and wisdom and a platform to showcase these leaders’ work on a national stage.
Throughout this engagement, we will follow their lead, prioritizing their strategies and insights as we shape our programs and resources. We are excited to build relationships that will support our shared work long into the future.
“My involvement with RARE provides a powerful platform to expand and deepen MDC’s partnerships with key peers and allies across the rural South and beyond. It connects us to a regional and national cohort of rural hubs, all working toward the same goal—advancing opportunities for rural communities and people. Collaborating with others through RARE helps us exchange knowledge, share resources, and broaden our reach. There is strength in numbers, and being part of this network is invaluable for ensuring we serve rural communities with the innovation, collaboration, and advocacy they deserve.” — Brandy Bynum Dawson
THRIVE RURAL THEORY OF CHANGE WORKING GROUP (2019-2021)
The Theory of Change Working Group for Thrive Rural is a broad array of leading practitioners, academics, and experts from the fields of health, community building, and community and economic development.
Their goal is to structure a detailed “theory of change” to the question: What will it take to create dynamic, sustainable rural communities where all people can realize their full potential and live healthy lives?
THRIVE RURAL NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (2019-2021)
The National Advisory Committee (NAC) for the Thrive Rural Framework comprises leading national policymakers, as well as local practitioners and experts in health, community building, and community & economic development.
NAC members provide strategic guidance to the Thrive Rural Framework collaboration.