Margot Cathcart grew up in rural Manitoba, graduated from Brandon University and after living in Japan and in Winnipeg, returned to Brandon with her husband to raise their two sons. Describing herself as a “builder”, she has been involved on the ground up in product, business, and industry development.
Her private sector experience spans television, news media, information management, technology, agriculture, food, and financial services. Over, the course of her career she has held numerous private sector management roles.
Most recently she has held senior management positions with Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development developing provincial wide economic development programming and re-engineering operations to enhance knowledge management and operational efficiencies.
Alexander Lavoie, CITP, brings a spark of ambition and a practical approach to economic development. As a Certified International Trade Professional, he has worked with over 800 businesses in Manitoba, ranging from start-ups to multi-million-dollar corporations looking to expand operations and enter new markets. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Winnipeg and a Diploma in International Trade.
Having lived in Germany and South Korea for a combined total of 4 years, he has extensive international experience. Along with his ability to speak French and proficiency in German, he brings a passion for sustainable economic development, focusing on the circular economy and sustainable energy.
Eric began his professional journey in local government as a Municipal Town Councillor during a by-election in 2017, where he was entrusted with the portfolio of Economic Development. In this role, Eric gained valuable insights into the work of Economic Development Officers (EDOs) and developed a deep appreciation for the transformative impact they can have within a community. In 2019, recognizing an opportunity to further contribute to community growth, Eric resigned from his council position to pursue the role of Economic Development Officer (EDO). He worked with a local organization and played a key role in expanding the position into a regional partnership.
Beyond his professional commitments, Eric volunteers with numerous boards and committees, including the Economic Developers Association of Manitoba, as well as being involved with the Southwest Regional Round Table. He is dedicated to continuous learning and relationship-building, making him an excellent fit for RMED’s mission to support rural Manitoba communities.
Devin brings more than 16 years of experience in municipal governance, land use planning, and community development to his role as Economic Development Advisor with RMED. His background includes senior positions with the Province of Manitoba and municipal leadership roles where he guided strategic planning, infrastructure revitalization, and intergovernmental collaboration initiatives. Devin is recognized for his practical approach to problem-solving, his ability to build strong partnerships across government and industry, and his commitment to helping communities plan for sustainable growth and long-term success.
Originally from Dauphin, Devin has furthered his education at the University of Manitoba as well as the University of Winnipeg and holds a professional designation as a Registered Professional Planner (RPP) and a Member of the Canadian Institute of Planners (MCIP). He has served more than 10 years as a City Councillor in Dauphin, Manitoba, and has been on many committees and boards during that time. Outside of work, Devin enjoys spending time with family, volunteering in local sports, or exploring Manitoba’s small towns and outdoor spaces.
Michael Asante, is an Agricultural Economist at heart with research interests in international trade, agricultural policy modeling, and rural development. He obtained his bachelor’s and post-graduate degrees in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ghana and the University of Hohenheim in Germany respectively, with a scholarship from the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (German Academic Exchange Program). He received the gold medal for his Master of Rural Development program from Brandon University. Michael has worked with the Thünen-Institut in Germany as a research fellow and the Rural Development Institute as a Research Assistant. He speaks five languages including German.
Funmi began her career in marketing communications and has gained over 15 years of experience developing strategies in marketing communication, media relations, crisis communications, and social media management.
She has worked with global brands including Motorola, Motorola Solutions, SAP, Old Mutual, and Ajinomoto, in both consulting and in-house roles. She holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Crawford University, Nigeria.
Guided by a strong sense of purpose and service, Funmi contributes her skills to community and faith-based initiatives, particularly through her volunteer work in the media department of her church. She values collaboration, integrity, and meaningful impact in all she does.
Erin Gonzalez, grew up in rural Prince Edward Island prior to moving to rural Manitoba with her family in 1997. With over 15 years of private and public sector experience, she currently oversees the day to day administrative operations of the corporation. Erin is passionate for effective collaboration and is committed to the team contribution in completion of tasks, meeting goals, managing projects and delivering results, as required.
Teddi is a versatile and detail-driven professional with a strong foundation in broadcast media and sports administration. With experience spanning Skate Canada, Skate Manitoba, and media production, Teddi brings a unique blend of storytelling, coordination, and community engagement to every project.
Her work in figure skating has involved supporting athletes, organizing events, and collaborating with provincial and national organizations to promote sport development. In broadcast media, Teddi has honed her skills in content creation, production logistics, and audience engagement, making her a valuable asset in both creative and operational roles.
Teddi thrives in dynamic environments where communication, planning, and passion intersect. She is committed to fostering inclusive, impactful experiences through sport and media, and is always looking for new ways to connect people and ideas.
Craig Soldier was raised and continues to reside on the Swan Lake First Nation. Married with three adult children and two grandchildren, he brings not only professional expertise but also a profound personal connection to rural Manitoba.
With extensive experience in First Nation governance and rural economic development, Craig has a proven track record of navigating both Federal and Provincial offices effectively. He envisions a collaborative approach to economic development, aiming to support the growth of rural Manitoba while ensuring sustainability for future generations.