West Central Initiative welcomes Bianca Newell as Transportation and Sustainability Planner and Jack Butler as a Minnesota GreenCorps member serving with the organization’s energy and sustainability team. Together, they will strengthen efforts around clean energy, climate resilience, and active transportation across west central Minnesota. 

Newell and Butler will work with communities to advance Safe Routes to School planning, support solar and clean energy adoption, and promote strategies that reduce emissions and build local resilience. 

Bianca Newell brings global experience and a strong foundation in environmental and energy economics. Born and raised in Springfield, Oregon, she completed her undergraduate studies at Chapman University in Orange, California, earning double majors in Economics and Italian Studies. She went on to earn a Master’s in Environmental and Energy Economics from the University of Milan in Italy. 

“Bianca’s international background and expertise in environmental economics bring fresh insight to our regional sustainability efforts,” said West Central Initiative Director of Transportation Planning Wayne Hurley. “Her ability to connect technical planning with community engagement will make a lasting impact on our work.” 

According to Newell, “This position allows me to get into communities firsthand. I’m excited to see what makes each town unique and to help them become even more resilient.” 

Outside of work, Newell enjoys cooking, baking, hiking, and trying new restaurants. A self-proclaimed foodie and avid traveler, she’s visited ten countries and once even ate a live termite on a school trip to Belize. 

Jack Butler brings experience in waste reduction and a passion for environmental and social sustainability. Originally from Duluth, Minnesota, Jack studied Sociology and Anthropology at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota.  

“Jack’s enthusiasm and experience align with our goal of building resilient, sustainable communities,” said West Central Initiative Director of Climate & Sustainability Cedar Walters. “His work will help more people and organizations access solar energy and promote safe, active transportation in the region.” 

He previously served with Rice County, Minnesota, through GreenCorps, where he worked on waste reduction initiatives. His interests lie at the intersection of environmental and social systems—
a perspective that shapes his work supporting the region.  

“Environmental challenges are social challenges,” said Butler. “Humans create them, which means we also have the power to solve them. This work is an incredible way to gain experience while contributing to real solutions.” 

Butler enjoys writing, hiking, and visiting coffee shops in his free time. He also competes in local curling leagues. 

About West Central Initiative 

West Central Initiative is a place-based nonprofit, community foundation, and regional development organization dedicated to fostering a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable future for White Earth Nation and Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse, and Wilkin Counties. Since its founding in 1986, West Central Initiative has provided funding, technical assistance, planning resources, and philanthropic services to strengthen the economic and social fabric of the region. The organization has provided more than $62 million in loans and approximately $93 million in grants to businesses and organizations. Learn more at wcif.org.