Joe Bartmann believes rural communities thrive when local leaders are connected, trusted, and equipped with the resources they need to shape solutions together. As President for Dakota Resources, his work focuses on strengthening the conditions that make that possible—collaborative learning networks, strong nonprofits, and flexible capital that allows communities to invest in their own ideas.

Over nearly three decades, Joe has focused on helping community and nonprofit changemakers build the skills needed for “the work behind the work”—governance, strategy, shared responsibility, and humble leadership. He has led three economic development organizations, several nonprofits, and numerous community initiatives.

In addition to his role at Dakota Resources, Joe is a facilitator, trainer, and speaker. He’s also an avid nonfiction reader, a mindful hiker, and a worm farmer. He lives with his family in the rural town of Montrose, South Dakota, population 479.