Dr. Wayne Kelly is Director of Brandon University’s Rural Development Institute (RDI), where he leads community-based research focused on rural development, economic growth and community well-being. With more than a decade of experience in rural research and development, he holds a Master of Rural Development from Brandon University and a PhD from the University of Galway in Ireland. His work focuses on helping rural communities navigate demographic, economic and technological change through research, collaboration and evidence-informed planning. Wayne is passionate about strengthening rural communities and unlocking their potential to support Canada’s long-term prosperity.