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   STAPLES, MN – Region Five Development Commission (R5DC) announces 2025 Board of Directors and incoming members.  

   R5DC Directors include Chairperson Doug Kern, Crow Wing County Town Boards; Vice Chairperson Andrea Haverinen, Region 5 School Board Representative; Secretary Julie Polak, Todd County Town Boards; Treasurer Greg Blaine, Morrison County Commissioner; Directors – Jerecho Worth, Cass County Municipalities; Rosemary Franzen, Crow Wing County Commissioner; David A. Anderson, Wadena County Municipalities.

   Hara Charlier, Higher Education Representative; Tad Erickson, City of Brainerd; and Murlyn Kreklau, Wadena County Commissioner, are welcomed as the Commission’s newest representatives.

   R5DC is grateful to Susan Falk, Cass County Town Boards; Angel Zierden, Crow Wing County Municipalities; Tiffany Stenglein, City of Brainerd; Rollie Johnson, Morrison County Municipalities; Erich Heppner, Wadena County Town Boards; Ron Noon, Wadena County Commissioner; and Dr. Carrie Brimhall, Higher Education, for their service on the Commission. 

   Executive Director Cheryal Lee Hills shared, “It is a privilege to work alongside elected officials and public interest leaders dedicated to fostering regional collaboration and efficiencies that improve the quality of life in our rural communities.”

   The Region Five Development Commission’s work is guided by a governing commission comprising 24 members representing a cross-section of constituents from the five-county region. For a full listing of Commission representatives, visit regionfive.org/about.  

   About Region Five Development Commission: Region Five Development Commission (R5DC) is a high-performing, regionally focused partner committed to enhancing the vitality and quality of life in Region 5 through resilient, collaborative, and inclusive approaches to regional community development, economic development, and transportation initiatives. Visit regionfive.org to learn more.

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