Message From NIFA Director

Dr. Carrie Castille, Director
USDA-NIFA

Dr. Carrie Castille checks in today with Cooperative Extension Directors and Administrators with, 

Building the NIFA of the Future

- Over the past seven months, I have had the enormous pleasure of working hand in hand with some of most dedicated, innovative people in our field to create the NIFA of the Future.

As a part of our effort, we are building in more opportunities to get your input, ideas and feedback. Many of you joined us for the first of our NIFA webinars to give input and ideas on priorities for the coming year. 

Continue reading here...

ECOP Appoints Liaisons for Partnering Entities - Cooperative Extension Section/ECOP Chair Chris Watkins, Cornell University, is pleased to share the latest appointees by ECOP. According to the ECOP Operating Guidelines, each will represent the needs, vision, and position of ECOP and the of Cooperative Extension Section, and report as needed on the intersecting activities of the respective partnering entity and ECOP and alert the ECOP Chair and Executive Director of issues that may impact Cooperative Extension System, its partners, goals and/or activities. 

• LEAD21 Board of Directors:

Quentin Tyler, Michigan 
State University

Amy Loader, University
of New Hampshire

Quentin Tyler and Amy Loader will serve a 3 year term effective immediately. The LEAD21 program provides leadership and professional development training for faculty and professionals within the land-grant system. The LEAD21 Board of Directors is composed of the various Committees on Organization and Policy of the Board on Agriculture Assembly and  strategic partners. Amy served as the Northeast Region's representative to the 2018 NEDA Planning Committee. Quentin is recognized for exceptional leadership in diversity, equity and inclusion.

Thank you Quentin and Amy!

• Joint Council of Extension Professionals (JCEP) Board:

Barbara Petty, University 
of Idaho

 JCEP's mission it to elevate Extension’s national reputation as an organization of excellence and synergistically leverage the strengths of member associations to foster leadership, collaboration, professional development, scholarly activity, strategic partnerships, and advocate for the profession. In addition to a Liaison to JCEP Board, Barbara's national responsibilities include:

   -- ECOP Voting Member from the Western Region (Fall '19-Present)
   -- ECOP Executive Committee (Fall '19-2020)
   -- ECOP Professional Development Committee (Fall '20-Present)
  

Thank you Barbara for stepping into yet another national role!

   

• Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) Executive Team:

Mike Gaffney, Washington
State University

Mike's national leadership is not new with this appointment to EDEN's leadership. Currently, he serves as a decision-maker on the ECOP Budget & Legislative Committee. 

Mike is also known for his appointment to the APLU Commission on Economic and Community Engagement's Executive Committee and CECE's Learning Community, Rural Engagement for Resilient Communities.

Thank you Mike!