Closing the Infrastructure Gap in Rural Communities
The Rural Consortium Partners (the Consortium) was founded on a shared commitment to strengthening rural communities by addressing critical infrastructure gaps. Across many regions, challenges related to housing, workforce development, energy, healthcare, and environmental systems are deeply interconnected—yet too often addressed in isolation.
Located In Washington County
The Rural Consortium Partners (the Consortium) is headquartered in the Village of Cambridge in Washington County, New York—providing a central base for coordinating initiatives and supporting rural communities across the region.
A Coordinated Partnership to Serve Communities in Rural New York
Recognizing the need for a more coordinated approach, the consortium brings together aligned initiatives designed to work as a system. By connecting efforts across multiple sectors, the Rural Consortium Partners focuses on building stronger foundations that support long-term opportunity, stability, and growth.
For Ownership of Rural Community Energy
Renewable energy infrastructure strengthening the regional power grid.
First Learn to Optimize Water
Modern self-contained wastewater systems protecting water quality and public health.
Pioneer Advocates Transforming Health
Senior rehabilitation and wellness services strengthening community health.
Learning Inspires New Knowledge
Rural career institute preparing residents for employment in emerging industries.
Economic Communities of Tomorrow
Economic development to identify gaps in essential services and support local businesses to growth.
Council on Restoring Ecology
Responsible solid waste management and environmental stewardship.
Beyond Bonfires and Camps
Trail restoration supporting recreation, health, and community land stewardship.
Adaptive Green Resource Option
Local agriculture production supporting access to fresh produce and food panty supply.
North Eastern Expansion Development
Workforce housing for rural communities to support rural economic growth.
Reaching Our Outdoor Families
Confidential support services helping residents access critical housing and community resources.
Add Your Name to the Community Support Registry
The Consortium is built on collaboration and shared commitment. Whether you’re a resident, organization, or local partner, your involvement helps strengthen a coordinated approach to improving infrastructure and expanding opportunity across the region.
Show Your Support for Rural Development
Adding your name to the Community Support Registry helps demonstrate that residents value a coordinated approach to strengthening infrastructure, expanding opportunity, and building long-term community resilience.
Partner with the Rural Consortium Partners
We collaborate with technical consultants, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen and expand our work. Connect with us to explore partnership opportunities and contribute to coordinated community development efforts.
A Team Commitment to Governance, Transparency, and Accountability
The Consortium team operates with a strong commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship. Governance practices are designed to ensure that initiatives are aligned, decisions are informed, and resources are used effectively to support long-term community outcomes.
Our leadership team and advisors maintain clear oversight structures, prioritizes ethical and data-informed decision-making, and works in collaboration with partners to ensure that all efforts meet high standards of quality, coordination, and impact.
Advisor, Legal & Regulatory Affairs
Roberta Chambers is a seasoned attorney and compliance leader with over 15 years of experience advising on regulatory frameworks and managing complex legal matters for public health initiatives and community-based organizations. With a Juris Doctor specializing in Health Law and Mediation from CUNY School of Law and a nursing background, she brings a unique cross-disciplinary lens to housing and redevelopment work involving health-integrated services.
Advisor, Community Engagement & Social Impact
Paulette Long is a seasoned nonprofit strategist and development professional with a proven track record of securing funding and driving successful outcomes for human development, youth services, and economic development programs. She has successfully developed and secured grants from government agencies, financial institutions, and private foundations—supporting startup initiatives, youth development programs, and workforce training.
Advisor, Finance, Grants & Risk Oversight
Patricia Penrose is a Certified Public Accountant and seasoned financial executive with over 30 years of experience in corporate banking, regulatory reporting, nonprofit finance, and real estate accounting. Patricia has led tax and accounting advisory for small businesses and nonprofits, managing audits, financial reviews, and compliance reporting.
Advisor, Sustainable Site Development, Design & Construction
Nicholas Comrie is a seasoned environmental consultant and construction project manager with over 12 years of experience leading soil remediation, hazardous materials management, and environmental compliance for large-scale infrastructure and redevelopment projects. Day to day, Nicholas oversees complex environmental and geotechnical projects from feasibility through commissioning—including EPA and USACE-funded remediation programs.
Advisor, Sustainable Site Development, Design & Construction
Martin Farrell is an accomplished architectural designer and construction management consultant with over 35 years of experience leading residential and subdivision developments across the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean. Martin has overseen more than 20 successful development projects, specializing in feasibility studies, site planning, contract administration, and construction supervision.
Advisor, Legal & Regulatory Affairs
June Colthirst is a highly experienced legal and health compliance executive with more than 20 years of leadership across healthcare delivery, regulatory compliance, mental health administration, and real estate law. Her legal practice has encompassed real estate, mental hygiene law, healthcare litigation, and compliance advisory, making her especially adept at navigating the intersecting legal and operational frameworks of complex, multi-agency projects.
Founder, The Rural Consortium Partners
Joy Cole-Johnson is a seasoned housing developer and strategic leader with over 30 years of experience advancing affordable and mixed-income housing across rural and urban settings. She has successfully planned, financed, and completed residential construction projects—ranging from ground-up builds to redevelopment of existing structures.
Advisor, Finance, Grants & Risk Oversight
Ernest Akpojetavwo is a multifaceted compliance and safety specialist with over 20 years of experience spanning cybersecurity, chemical engineering, HSE oversight, and environmental compliance. Ernest brings deep experience in regulatory audits, data protection, waste and spill management, ISO 17025 lab compliance, and physical/environmental safety—ensuring operational integrity across both technical and human systems.
Advisor, Sustainable Site Development, Design & Construction
Dwight Thomas is a veteran construction specialist with over 30 years of hands-on experience managing residential and light commercial construction projects across the U.S. and the Caribbean. His career spans site preparation, structural work, finishing trades, and mechanical systems, including plumbing, masonry, tiling, electrical, and carpentry
Advisor, Housing Development & Asset Strategy
Dr. Ryan Letts is a mission-driven business strategist and project leader with over 15 years of experience advancing public-private partnerships, veteran-owned business development, and federally funded housing and infrastructure initiatives. His portfolio includes overseeing multi-million-dollar contracts, supporting community reinvestment programs, and spearheading innovation in renewable energy and technology transfer.
Advisor, Community Engagement & Social Impact
Dr. Asneth is a seasoned public sector executive with over 19 years of leadership in federally funded early childhood education, strategic planning, and large-scale program administration. Her track record includes securing over $3.5M in expansion grants, managing staff of 500+, and spearheading compliance with complex federal and state regulations including USDA, Head Start, and DOE.
Advisor, Housing Development & Asset Strategy
Clark Alexandre is a seasoned public sector operations leader with over 25 years of experience managing infrastructure, personnel, and regulatory compliance for major state parks across New York. He oversees park capital improvement projects, concessionaire operations, personnel planning, and environmental safety protocols and brings a powerful combination of legal knowledge, environmental planning, and project execution.