May 26, 2010, Washington, D.C.----Marcie McLaughlin, Director of Constituent Relations for the Rural Policy Research Institute (RUPRI), has accepted a new position as Chief Executive Officer of the Midwest Assistance Program (MAP), and will assume her duties there in mid- June. McLaughlin served RUPRI over the past six years in their Washington, D.C. office. "Marcie has been a tremendous asset as we have broadened our public policy outreach to diverse stakeholders, not only nationally, but increasingly at the state and local levels, and with the philanthropic and non-governmental communities," said RUPRI President Charles W. Fluharty. "She has made significant contributions across multiple RUPRI collaborations, and her commitment to rural America, her passion for its people, and her amazing networking expertise will truly be missed. However, we are very grateful for her years of outstanding service." 

 

McLaughlin has over twenty years experience in the rural policy field, serving as the Founding Executive Director of Minnesota Rural Partners--the state's rural development council--and as a Renville County, MN Commissioner. 

 

As the CEO of MAP, McLaughlin will lead the organization in its continuing mission to support rural communities looking to make improvements, such as in water and wastewater systems, that will enrich their quality of life. The organization provides technical assistance to more than 400 rural communities and tribal nations each year in the nine states it serves including: Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North and South Dakota, and Wyoming. MAP's contributions come in many forms, including assistance in the formation of associations and districts, aiding in securing of funding, helping hire key players such as engineers, and laying the groundwork for operating, maintaining and managing new systems. MAP is headquartered in New Prague, Minnesota. 

 

Contact: Charles W. Fluharty, President and Chief Executive Officer, Rural Policy Research Institute, (573) 882-0316, cfluharty@rupri.org