Connie Risby is a seasoned business and marketing professional with over 40 years of experience across a wide range of industries. A long-time resident of Spanish Lake, Connie is deeply invested in the vitality and sustainability of her community and brings a wealth of strategic insight to every initiative she supports. Her professional background spans retail, fast food, quick casual and full-service restaurants, HVAC, employment recruitment marketing, government and military contracts, financial services, and banking. This extensive cross-sector experience has equipped her with a keen understanding of both business development and consumer engagement in diverse and dynamic markets. Connie has built a reputation for identifying core challenges and translating them into actionable strategies that drive results. Her areas of expertise include strategic planning, budgeting, branding/creative development, media planning (online and offline), product mix and sales analysis, promotional evaluation, competitive positioning, and performance measurement. She has successfully led teams and campaigns that improve visibility, strengthen market position, and increase profitability. With a sharp eye for data and a strong creative sensibility, Connie understands how to align messaging, strategy, and execution to meet both business goals and community needs. Her lifelong commitment to excellence, problem-solving, and ethical leadership continue to make her a valued contributor in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors. We’re thrilled that she’ll be providing her well-rounded skills and expertise to Rustic Roots’ mission toward food justice in Spanish Lake!