Community Futures Network of Alberta
We get rural small businesses like no one else.
The Community Futures Network of Alberta (CFNA) is a community driven, non-profit business loan and business development organization made up of 27 Community Futures offices throughout rural Alberta.
The mandate of the Community Futures Network of Alberta is to support small business development and rural economic diversification in Alberta. We actively work with community and business leaders to foster rural economic growth and are partners in building vibrant and sustainable communities.
MEET THE BOARD
The Community Futures Network of Alberta is governed by an independent Board of Directors, ensuring strong governance practices and oversight, and is staffed by business professionals who support the organization’s operations.
Our provincial office plays a pivotal role in supporting the 27 regional offices by securing funding, distributing resources, and managing province-wide initiatives to foster rural economic growth.
2024 – 2025 CFNA Board of Directors
- Chair, Russell Crook (South Region: CF Central Alberta)
- Vice-Chair, Warren Toews (NW Region: CF Grande Prairie)
- Treasurer, Ursula Sherwood (South Region: CF Highwood)
- Secretary, Alandra Corrigan (South Region: CF Highwood)
- Director, Nick Gelych (NW Region: CF Yellowhead East)
- Director, Adam McArthur (NW Region: CF Capital Region)
- Director, Olen Hillaby (NE Region: CF Lloydminster)
- Director, Susan Koots (South Region: CF Alberta SW)
- Director, Sasha Anderson (South Region: CF Crowsnest Pass)
- Director, Jacquie Fenske (NE Region: CF Elk Island)
- Director, Penny Fox (NE Region: CF St. Paul/ Smoky Lake)
MEET THE STAFF
Denie Olmstead
Executive Director
403.851.9995 ext. 2
Denie Olmstead has over 20 years of senior leadership experience in the not-for-profit sector. A Certified Association Executive (CAE), he combines hands-on experience with strategic leadership to support businesses, communities, and stakeholders. Denie has been a volunteer leader with a number of community organizations, in addition to his executive roles, furthering his commitment to governance and collaboration. His expertise in governance and operations helps him effectively guide the Community Futures Network of Alberta.
Sue Clynes
Lead Professional Development & Program Manager
403.851.9995 ext. 6
Sue comes to us from CF Capital Region, where she was Program Manager since June, 2015, most recently with the CROP Project. Sue has been a program and project manager for 20+ years delivering initiatives in a variety of fields, including not-for-profit, rural entrepreneurship, business analysis and IT. Additionally, Sue has worked as small business trainer and coach with SMEs in rural Alberta for over 8 years.
Kryssie Thomson
Member Services & Communication Coordinator
403.851.9995 ext. 4
Kryssie brings over 20 years of experience in strategic planning, organizational leadership, project management, and event coordination.
In her role, Kryssie will focus on supporting members, coordinating key events, and enhancing communications across the CFNA network. Her expertise in operations, communications, and consulting will be invaluable in strengthening the network and delivering exceptional support.
Governance
Each Community Futures office, including the CFNA’s office, is guided by a volunteer Board of Directors made up of local business professionals and regional representatives and staffed by business professionals who support the office's operations. Visit the website of your nearest Community Futures office to meet the local board and team of staff.
CFNA Purpose:
To create & support opportunities for Community Futures Members in Alberta
- Build and maintain a collaborative and engaged CF network
- Advocate on their behalf for funding, shared services, and economic development
- Strengthen leadership capacity through training, mentoring and support
- Promote the Community Futures program provincially
- Serve as responsible stewards of respective CF financial resources
CFNA Mission:
The Community Futures Network of Alberta provides advocacy, leadership and stewardship for the network of Community Futures organizations in Alberta.
CFNA Board of Directors: Recruitment, Election and Appointment
All Directors will be residents of Alberta, as follows:
- Five (5) of whom shall be from the South Region being three (3) South directors presented by the South Region Shareholders to the Shareholders for adoption; and two (2) South management staff from the CFDCs of the South Region presented by the South Region Shareholders to the Shareholders for adoption);
- Three (3) of whom shall be from the Northwest Region being two (2) Northwest directors presented by the Northwest Region Shareholders for adoption; and one (1) Northwest management staff from CFDCs of the Northwest Region presented by the Northwest Region Shareholders to the Shareholders for adoption);
- Three (3) of whom shall be from the Northeast Region being two (2) Northeast directors presented by the Northeast Region Shareholders for adoption; and one (1) northeast management staff from CFDCs of the Northeast Region presented by the Northeast the Shareholders for adoption
With 27 locations across rural Alberta, we’ve got you covered.
All of the Community Futures offices in rural Alberta provide support, guidance, and loans for small businesses and startups.
