Mary Emery, Associate Director, North Central Regional Center for Rural Development, has worked in rural economic and community development for many years. She is interested in strategies that assist rural communities in transitioning into the 21st century, and in implement- ing approaches that help communities grow their own jobs and businesses.

Contact: memery@iastate.edu

Corry Bregendahl is an Assistant Scientist at the North Central Regional Center for Rural Development where she conducts social-science based research, education and outreach. She is an evaluator for regional food system efforts in Iowa, as well as the Women, Land, and Legacy project.

Contact: corry@iastate.edu

Edith Fernandez-Baca is a visiting professor at the Agrarian University La Molina, Peru. She is currently in charge of a graduate level course on leadership and social organisation and is col- laborating in research on the practices and strategies to address climate and market risks in vulnerable agro-ecosystems in Peru and Bolivia.

Contact: eferbaca@iastate.edu

Susan Fey, Program Coordinator, North Central Regional Center for Rural Development, works on numerous projects, including the Community Development On-line Master’s Program and coordinates programming for ISU Design West, a satellite design studio housed in Sioux City, Iowa. She co-authored Rural Communities, Legacy and Change, 2nd Edition in 2004.

Contact: susanfey@iastate.edu