Agricultural News
Chuck Hassebrook departs, Brian Depew Tapped as New Center for Rural Affairs Executive Director
Wed, 28 Aug 2013 12:24:39 CDT
The Center for Rural Affairs announced today a leadership transition within the organization. Assistant Executive Director Brian Depew has been named the new Executive Director, effective September 1, 2013. Chuck Hassebrook, who shaped the Center's vision and direction for seventeen years as Director and dedicated 36 years of hard work and personal commitment to serving on the Center for Rural Affairs staff, will depart to pursue new challenges.
"Chuck's vision and leadership has been the heartbeat, the soul of the Center for Rural Affairs for nearly two decades, and as a vital member of the staff for nearly that many years before that," said Jim Knopik, a Fullerton, Nebraska farmer and Center for Rural Affairs Board President. "While we cannot truly replace Chuck, we believe that Brian Depew brings the same level of talent, leadership, intelligence and dedication to the Center's mission and to rural America. We are truly lucky to have someone of Brian's caliber to step in and lead the Center into the future."
According to Knopik, this transition follows a thorough and rigorous process the Center for Rural Affairs Board of Directors established some time ago to meet this eventuality.
"We cannot thank Chuck enough for his dedication and selflessness in serving the mission of the Center," continued Knopik. "However, we are excited and confident in the abilities and leadership that Brian honed during his time as Acting Executive Director in 2012. Speaking for the board and staff, we are fortunate to have his talent and dedication. We have great expectations for the Center's future."
In a letter to Center supporters Knopik wrote, "On September 5, 1973, the Center for Rural Affairs was incorporated as a nonprofit organization. Now, almost 40 years later to the day, we'll head into a new future. I know it is one where you, our supporters, will be at the heart of every decision we make. Here's to another 40 years of representing the best in rural America, with you by our side."
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