KDSN RADIO News
Howard named Center for Rural Affairs Farm and Community director
LYONS, NEBRASKA – Bobbi Howard has been hired to serve Nebraska and southwest Iowa as Farm and Community director with the Center for Rural Affairs.
Howard comes from a background in workforce development. She supervised field offices across the state as an administrator at the Nebraska Department of Labor and has experience working with nonprofit organizations. Sandra Renner, chief people officer with the Center, said Howard’s experience helps make her the right person to lead the Farm and Community team.
“Bobbi shares the Center's passion for rural people, access to resources, and equity,” said Renner. “She brings insights about workforce needs and the skills people require to achieve their goals, as well as barriers rural people face in accessing and understanding the resources available. Her ability to weave those themes in her team's work in rural communities across Nebraska and southwest Iowa makes her an excellent addition to the Center.”
Howard aims to get out into rural communities and see the efforts the Center is making firsthand.
“Supporting rural America is so important to a strong economy,” Howard said. “We work to support communities to ensure they have the schools, resources, infrastructure, and an environment that attracts young families to keep these towns thriving. The team is already doing such great things. I hope to help further that work and expand our focus as appropriate to ensure our efforts have the greatest impact.”
Howard is based out of the Center’s main office in Lyons. Reach her at 402.687.2100, ext. 1014, or bobbih@cfra.org.