J. Richard Benderson
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
J. Richard Benderson comes to North Port St. Joe Community Development Corporation from The Federation of Southern Cooperatives where he championed Alabama State Association of Cooperatives member businesses as an Outreach Specialist & Cooperative Development Representative. As the State Association primary Cooperative development representative, Benderson advocated for member cooperatives to upscale their operations and develop modern business practices, while maintaining the coops mission and purpose.
Before joining the NPSJCDC, Benderson worked two plus decades for several municipalities in the southeast region of the US including Selma, Alabama, Winter Haven, Florida, Daytona Beach & South Georgia RDC, in the area of Urban Planning and Development.
Mr. Benderson has driven civic efforts at the federal, state, and local level focusing on environmental justice, community development, the arts, and voter advocacy.
J. Richard Benderson is a native of Demopolis, Alabama. He is an alumni of Alabama A&M University and also attended the University of West Alabama. Benderson is affiliated with several professional and civic organizations such as the American Planning Association, Florida Redevelopment Association, Alabama A&M Alumni Association, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Prince Hall Affiliated F&AM, AEAONMS, Two Rivers Arts Council, Southeastern Goat Cooperative, Federation of Southern Cooperatives Land Assistance Fund, Gun Owners of America, Bama Carry and Firearms Policy Coalition.