CEO Update

TO ALL OF OUR RDN FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES: 

Following an extensive search process, the Board of Directors is pleased to welcome Melissa Fougere as RDN’s Chief Executive Officer as of July 28th, 2025. 

Melissa brings over 17 years of nonprofit leadership experience, including senior roles with the Canadian Red Cross, where she led initiatives in emergency management, community resilience, and strategic operations. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Community Studies from Cape Breton University and a Graduate degree in Disaster & Emergency Management from Royal Roads University. Throughout her career, Melissa has championed collaboration and work with rural, remote, and Indigenous communities, helping build stronger systems, increase local capacity, and drive sustainable development. 

The Board is confident that Melissa’s vision, dedication, and experience will be instrumental in her new role. 

Melissa succeeds Lisa as RDN’s CEO, and we are grateful for her contributions and commitment to furthering RDN’s mission in supporting rural communities. Her last day will be July 31, 2025.

“I’m incredibly honoured to join RDN at a time when rural communities are facing both immense challenges and big opportunities. Together with this talented team, I’m committed to helping rural communities thrive, adapt, and stay strong in the face of change — because Rural Communities are Stronger Together.” – Melissa Fougere

Please join us in welcoming Melissa to her new role as CEO! We are confident that her leadership will propel RDN forward as we continue to build community capacity in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities across Canada.