Letter from the Chair

I’m proud to serve NEED and I am looking forward to serving as chair of the Association of Northeast Extension Directors for this upcoming year.  I remain optimistic about the future of Extension to work in partnership with the communities we serve and our research and education partners to make a real difference in the lives of the people we serve. 

Extension is a critical aspect of education and community outreach that bridges the gap between research and practice. It involves sharing knowledge and expertise gained through research with the broader community to address societal issues and improve quality of life. Extension matters because it serves as the vehicle for ensuring that research findings are effectively communicated and applied in real-world settings. It plays a crucial role in translating complex scientific information into practical solutions that can be implemented by individuals, communities, and organizations. Extension professionals equip people with the skills, information, and tools they need to address complex issues such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and the environment. As a public good, Extension also fosters collaboration and partnerships among various stakeholders, promoting a culture of learning, sharing, and collective problem solving. 

The Northeast Extension and Ag Innovation (research) at our land grant universities have always worked together to carry out our land grant mission – to bring the needs of our communities for the for critical research AND to take that relevant research back to our constituents in the form of educational programing and dialogue.  Together, we developed the Northeast Agenda, a bold road map for research and Extension to work collaboratively to address three priority areas: 

• Develop resilient, sustainable, and equitable food systems. 

• Lead effective adaptation and mitigation for our changing climate. 

• Promote environmental, human, animal, and community health and well-being. 

Over the next year, I will support efforts to advance this plan and ensure we are actively taking steps toward successful implementation.    

I am keenly interested in Priority 2 of the Northeast agenda, which calls for leading effective adaptation and mitigation efforts for our changing climate. Climate change is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention and action. The Northeast region is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and changing agricultural growing seasons.  

I believe that addressing climate change is not only a necessity but also an opportunity for innovation and collaboration within our organization. As chair of NEED, I am committed to leading our members in developing and implementing strategies to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change. This will involve engaging with stakeholders, conducting research, and promoting education and outreach efforts.  

I will continue to support NEED’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that we do, from our language and practices within the organization to preparing our staff to develop and implement accessible and inclusive programs across the region. 

Finally, I hope to continue the tradition of the northeast states working collaboratively, sharing ideas and staff working together towards a healthy, sustainable future.  Cooperative Extension across the nation has renewed its commitment to working together as a system and the Northeast region is posed to lead impactful programming for all the people we serve. 

I welcome your comments and questions, please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected].