Robert joined the CEDA team in 2019 (and rejoined in 2021). He is a graduate of Carleton College and holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies with a specialty in development and conservation. As an undergrad, Robert was the co-founder and director of Heart of the Heartland, a workforce development initiative focused on agriculture in southern Minnesota.

Prior to joining CEDA, Robert worked for the largest regional chamber of commerce in MN as the Public Policy and Employer Engagement Manager. In this role, he extensively engaged stakeholders from the private, public and nonprofit sectors to advance priorities related to transportation, housing and workforce development in the metro region.

Robert’s goal is to bring a holistic and creative lens to community and economic development.

Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA) announces
the promotion of Robert Harris III to Director of Strategic Initiatives. Mr. Harris III will continue in his community work serving the community of Mapleton,
Minnesota as well as serving as part of the CEDA Government Relations Department. He will also continue to work closely in the CEDA Entrepreneurial effort called RBIL – the
Rural Business Innovation Lab. His duties will also include working closely with external
partners to move forward a range of strategic initiatives.

Zach became a member of CEDA in May 2020, and was raised in Spring Valley, MN. He has deep ties in rural communities, and loves the family aspect of these small towns. He is a current student at the University of Minnesota-Morris, and is working towards a Bachelor’s degree in economics and political science. Zach is new to the economic development scene and is looking to learn a lot during his position with CEDA. He is willing to help CEDA and the communities it works with in any way he can.

Rebecca joined the CEDA team in May of 2017. Rebecca has a Master’s Degree in International Relations from the University of Wales, Swansea, and Bachelor of Science in Political Science from South Dakota State University. She has spent the past 15 years working on/leading political campaigns for both local and national candidates, as well as issue based campaigns.

Rebecca’s interest in rural economic development stems from her experiences working with rural communities during her political career, where she heard about the needs and difficulties facing rural communities across the nation. She has a strong desire to help to make positive changes for rural America.