Our Team
Bonita Robertson-Hardy
Co-Executive Director
Chris Estes
Co-Executive Director
Tyler Bowders
Senior Program Associate
Devin Deaton
Action Learning Manager
Erin Cahill
Associate 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
The Rural Action Roundtable on Equity (RARE) serves as Aspen CSG’s equity partner, providing strategic direction, setting priorities, building relationships, and ensuring critical analysis to guide Aspen CSG’s work.
RARE is composed of leading rural practitioners and thought leaders. Their leadership has been instrumental in guiding and grounding the ongoing development and implementation of the Thrive Rural Framework.
Together, Aspen CSG and RARE focus on building and connecting the field of equitable rural development and content using a race, place, and class equity lens to ground and proof our analysis, content, and strategies.
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.