Staples, MN –The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the 12 members of the newly established Equity Commission Subcommittee on Rural Community Economic Development (RCED), which includes Cheryal Hills, who currently serves as the Executive Director of Region Five Development Commission (R5DC). Hills was selected from over 500 applicants, with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack appointing 12 individuals to serve on the USDA Equity Commission (EC) RCED Subcommittee. RCED Subcommittee members include representatives of community-based organizations, lending institutions, small business or cooperatives, tribal entities, and two members from the Equity Commission. To read the full press release from USDA, visit: https://bit.ly/3Ailrn3
Hills shared, “I am deeply honored to accept this appointment and committed to building equitable economic ecosystems that honor environmental stewardship and embrace underserved populations in rural communities. I appreciate that I still have much to learn and can benefit from diverse guidance. Please feel welcome to share ideas as to how USDA could make services more inclusive and accessible and how USDA could encourage the same from organizations who deliver services through federal investments.” The RCED Subcommittee will work with the Equity Commission and its Agriculture Subcommittee to provide recommendations to the Secretary that specifically address issues and concerns to rural development, persistent poverty and underserved communities. To learn more, visit usda.gov.
Cheryal Hills can be reached via email at chills@regionfive.org or by phone at (218) 296-5200.
The Region Five Development Commission is a high-performing, regionally focused partner committed to enhancing the vitality and quality of life in Region 5 through resilient, collaborative, and inclusive approach to regional community development, economic development, and transportation initiatives. R5DC is an equal opportunity provider, lender, and employer.