“Being involved in the promotion, growth, and awareness of all that rural Iowa offers provides a great sense of pride,” Hildreth said. “I’m a rural Iowa girl—from my roots in O’Brien County to my longtime home in Calhoun County. Being appointed by Governor Reynolds is an honor, and it is my pleasure to represent Calhoun County and all of rural Iowa as we work with a diverse group of stakeholders to share our rural way of life and the unique opportunities across the state.”
The Empower Rural Iowa initiative was first established by executive order in 2018 as a partnership with the Iowa Rural Development Council (IRDC). Co-chaired by Lt. Governor Chris Cournoyer and IRDC representative Mark Reinig, ERI was initially organized into three task forces—Investing, Growing, and Connecting—to address housing shortages, business transition planning, entrepreneurship, leadership development, broadband expansion, and strategies for attracting and retaining residents.
In 2023, a new executive order updated ERI to function as a “start-up incubator for rural policy innovation.” This streamlined structure enables the group to develop and test new concepts, scale successful strategies, and transition them to other agencies or organizations for long-term sustainability. Membership was reduced from 66 to 25 appointees, consolidating its work into a single committee.
Day-to-day operations are managed by the Center for Rural Revitalization within the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), which implements ERI recommendations, serves as a liaison to rural communities, and connects small towns with programs that enhance rural vitality.
Hildreth, who was also recently elected to the Iowa Rural Development Council Board of Directors, will co-chair the 2026 Rural Iowa Summit in Dubuque (April 9–10, 2026) alongside IRDC Executive Director Bill Menner.
“Theresa has been a great addition to the Iowa Rural Development Council board of directors, and she is a great selection for Empower,” said Menner. “She brings great knowledge and a keen understanding of rural communities. She’ll be an asset, and I know that’s why the Governor selected her for this appointment.”
Hildreth added, “I have attended my first Empower Rural Iowa Initiative meeting, which was a very positive experience. This opportunity to work directly with other rural leaders and with our chair, Lt. Governor Chris Cournoyer, will directly benefit Calhoun County. I look forward to all this appointment brings to me and to Calhoun County.”
