Dawn Mandt

Executive Director @Red River Regional Council

Grafton, ND, US

Multi-county regional council located in northeastern North Dakota assists local governments in addressing barriers to economic growth, including workforce, housing, entrepreneurship, and destination development. Liaison between local governments and business community and sources of local, regional, state, federal, and private funding sources implement projects. Expert in funding development and finance packaging. Built a formidable professional team which was doubled in 2023 through contractual partner relationships.In 2020/2021, launched regional development plans for tourism, business retention and expansion, workforce and assisted with a new housing plan in 2024. Rural and small-town advocates seeking equity in investment, resources, and expertise. Co-founder of the Pembina Gorge Foundation and former Board member. With a co-developer, established the founding Board of Directors and raised $1.6M to acquire Frost Fire Park to ensure this public amenity transitioned from its founders. Led and assisted with securing $5.5M new/updated investment and worked on project development for a decade. With 1.2 million people within a two-hour radius, Frost Fire Park has the potential to become a vital economic driver by attracting outdoor enthusiasts and cultural lovers. Resurrected the 25-year-old Rendezvous Region Tourism Council and expanded it from four small cities to three counties in northeastern ND with approximately 100 private and public members.Co-founded the Northern Valley Youth Entrepreneurship And Workforce Development Initiative which links education, students, community and industry in a series of events for 1,500 3rd to 12th grade students from 12 school districts to expose students.Established the NE Manufacturing Group with more than 20 manufacturing and food processing companies that employ more than 1,200 people within Pembina and Walsh Counties

University of Jamestown

Master of Arts, Leadership

National Development Council

Economic Development Finance Professional, Economic Development, Real Estate Finance, Housing Development

University of Jamestown

BA, Business Adm/Econ & History/Political Science