Valerie Belusko

As rural areas continue to lose population, as the landscape of the economy continues to shift and as good paying jobs with benefits become harder to find it is imperative for the University of Illinois Extension to have a strong presence in community and economic development. As someone who lives and loves rural Illinois, Valerie believes it is her duty to participate in redevelopment of our economy and lifestyle so we can create opportunities that allow residents to remain in our communities.