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.
Denie Olmstead
Executive Director
403.851.9995 ext. 2
Denie has served as an executive leader in not-for-profit management for over 20 years, during which he has also volunteered on various boards and committees. His extensive experience covers social work, property management, hospitality management, and real estate. Additionally, Denie has contributed to residential construction and tourism member-based associations, offering a diverse perspective to his leadership role. He holds a Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation, among other certifications and educational achievements.
Denie actively collaborates with businesses, communities, and stakeholders to foster meaningful partnerships. This blend of practical experience and formal certification provides Denie with a broad skill set and a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by not-for-profit organizations. His expertise spans both administrative leadership and volunteer board service, equipping him to effectively support the Community Futures Network of Alberta.
Margi Storey
EDP & Members Services Lead
403.851.9995 ext. 3
Margi's experience is as a Human Resources generalist and Business Administrator in Alberta's energy sector as well as a few of her own business ventures along the way.
In the course of her career, she's owned 3 separate businesses so she does have first-hand experience with a lot of the issues most Alberta entrepreneurs face in our ever-changing economic climate.
Margi leads the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities program in Alberta, the Community Futures Members Services Program and CFNA Administration.
Sue Clynes
Communications & Projects Lead
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.
MEET THE BOARD
The Community Futures Network of Alberta is governed by an independent Board of Directors, which ensures the highest standard of governance practices.
2022-2023 CFNA Board of Directors
Chair, Russell Crook (South Region: CF Central Alberta)
Past-Chair & Advisory, John Husch (South Region: CF Crowsnest Pass)
Vice-Chair, Warren Toews (NW Region: CF Grande Prairie)
Secretary/Treasurer: Tony Walker (South Region: CF Alberta Southwest)
Director, Nick Gelych (NW Region: CF Yellowhead East)
Director, Adam McArthur (NW Region: CF Capital Region)
Director, Brad Gara (NE Region: CF East Central and CF Elk Island)
Director, Corrie Stolz (South Region: CF Entre Corp)
Director, Olen Hillaby (NE Region: CF Lloydminster)
Director, Ursula Sherwood (South Region: CF Highwood)
Vacancy (NE Region Director)
Governance
Each Community Futures office is staffed by local business professionals and guided by a volunteer Board of Directors. Visit the website of your nearest Community Futures office to meet your local team of staff and board members.
Purpose:
The purpose of Community Futures is to help communities develop and implement local solutions to challenges and opportunities in the areas of:
- Economic stability, growth, and job creation
- Diversified and competitive local rural economies
- Economically sustainable communities
Mission:
The Community Futures Network of Alberta provides advocacy, leadership and stewardship for the network of Community Futures organizations in Alberta.
Recruitment, Election and Appointment of Board of Directors
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.
