By DEBORAH BEHRENDS
Illinois Correspondent

URBANA, Ill. — Sandra Davis began her position as University of Illinois Extension multi-county director for the unit comprised of DuPage, Kane and Kendall counties on Nov. 1. She previously served for seven years as county director in Kendall County.

The change in leadership came as the result of a restructuring of Extension due to a reduction in state funding.

“Using input from council members, volunteers and other stakeholders, we plan to form a shared vision for the new unit to continue to provide programming that is relevant and accessible to citizens in our counties,” Davis said.

“Even though units are larger, we want to reassure everyone that the help you need from Extension will be just as accessible as it has been in the past,” said Robert Hoeft, interim associate dean for Extension and outreach. “People can still call the same phone numbers or use the same e-mails they have in the past to reach their local Extension staff.”

Programming in the new multi-county unit will continue to be guided by local Extension councils, which are made up of local citizens. Educational programs may see changes as present day resources are fewer than in the past. Interest in specific programs will vary across the state; the goal is to support relevant programs, which have measureable impact on the quality of life for Illinois residents.

For the past two years, Davis also served as interim county director in Kane County while continuing her Extension service and leadership responsibilities in Kendall County.

“This experience has provided me the opportunity to not only work with diverse staff, but also with a diverse suburban population,” she said. “I look forward to developing new relationships with clientele and stakeholders in DuPage County.”
Davis said the main office for the multi-county unit will be in St. Charles, but branch offices will be located in both Yorkville and Naperville.

Extension educators who have been named to serve DuPage, Kane and Kendall counties include: Deanna Roby, 4-H youth; Richard Hentschel, horticulture; and Laura Barr, nutrition and wellness.

“We are still transitioning, but the three unit educators will be in place on July 1,” she said. “It is exciting to be a part of the newly-organized University of Illinois Extension.”

Refer to page 16B in this issue for an updated list of other extension personnel following the recent restructuring. For even more information, visit http://web.extension.illinois.edu