North Dakota Rural Development Council

Our council works to:

• Ensure that benefits from state and federal programs are equally available to rural communities
• Monitor, report, and comment on programs and policies that address rural community needs
• Prevent duplication of services and programs
• Augment outreach to rural North Dakota
• Provide a forum and a network through which issues, projects and activities pertinent to rural residents are acted upon

To improve rural North Dakota's economy, the Rural Development Council furthers collaboration and partnerships among more than 70 federal, state, local, and community based organizations.

Denise Spanjer, Director

Denise has devoted most of her career to training, curriculum and educational material development for rural North Dakotans. For more than 18 years, she served as the state director of education for North Dakota Farmers Union. There she produced textbooks and educational materials for volunteer instructors across the state. In addition, she provided technical support for start-up business enterprises.

Denise earned her BA degree in English and Communications from NDSU and is a native of Edgeley, ND. In 2004, she was recognized by the SBA as "North Dakota's Outstanding Women's Business Advocate."

Catherine Dalzell, Staff

Catherine has a background in graphic arts, designing brochures, displays, calendars, and more. Currently, she works on marketing for the RDC and North Dakota Young Professionals.

She earned her Associates in Applied science degree in Commercial Art from Bismarck State College, graduating as Outstanding Student in Commercial Art. She also completed her Baccalaureate degree in University Studies from Dickinson State University .