Chelsey MacNeil is a trusted leader in community economic development, social innovation, and strategic transformation, with over a decade of experience driving impactful change. Originally from Nova Scotia and now calling St. John’s, Newfoundland home, she leads efforts across Canada through her consultancy, The Purposeful Group, which helps purpose-driven organizations navigate complex challenges and develop strategies that foster economic growth for both people and the planet. Chelsey has championed policy innovations in areas such as housing, labor market attachment, poverty reduction, youth engagement, and community economic development, with a particular focus on rural communities. She has driven significant community investment through innovative corporate social responsibility (CSR) models and successfully led multi-stakeholder collaborations that deliver measurable outcomes in both rural and urban settings. Her work extends beyond national borders, especially in rural development, through her involvement with the Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF). Chelsey’s contributions to the international social impact ecosystem have established her as a key figure in advancing rural, community-driven initiatives that align financial sustainability with mission-driven goals. Chelsey holds a B.A., B.Ed., and MBA, and she teaches at the University of Fredericton as well as in Memorial University’s MBA program, preparing the next generation of leaders in social impact. Her expertise in strategic leadership, partnership-building, and rural policy innovation continues to shape the future of community development and social innovation across Canada and beyond.