Executive Director
Betsy Olivanti leads the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC). ARDC was created in 1968 to foster and promote economic growth in the 7-county region. ARDC’s mission is to provide local units of government and citizens groups a means to work cooperatively in identifying needs, solving problems, and fostering local leadership.
Divisions
ARDC has three divisions: ARDC Planning, the Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging, and the Duluth-Superior Metropolitan Interstate Council.
ARDC Planning serves as a regional and community planning consultant working to further northeast Minnesota as a great place to live, work, play, and learn.
The Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging (AAAA) works as a catalyst in building communities where seniors live with dignity, mutual respect, and shared responsibilities across generations and cultures.
The Duluth-Superior Metropolitan Interstate Council (DSMIC) supports policy decisions and multi-modal infrastructure projects that provide effective transportation in the Duluth-Superior metropolitan area.
Division Leadership
ARDC’s division directors lead staff to bring communities, residents, and agencies together with the goal of a better northeast Minnesota for all.
Beth Ann Teskey directs the ARDC Planning Division. The Division supports the region with community, economic development, transportation, and other planning initiatives in the seven-county Arrowhead Region of Minnesota.
Rebecca Sash directs AAAA’s efforts in planning, technical support, and development of aging services for the seven-county Arrowhead Region of Minnesota.
Ron Chicka, AICP, directs the DSMIC’s overall administrative functions and provides oversight for transportation planning efforts in the Duluth-Superior metropolitan area.
