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.
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 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.
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.
