COLUMBUS, Ohio — Greg Davis has been tapped to serve as interim director of The Ohio State University’s extension. Formerly extension’s assistant director overseeing community development, he was chosen to fill this vacancy on July 1.

Davis fills the void left by immediate past director Keith Smith, who began his first day of retirement following 23 years as leader.

Davis will remain on the steering committee for Conversations on the Future of Extension, an effort that began in the spring of 2014 with discussions to identify the most challenging trends and issues Ohioans will face by 2035. That is now in the "so, what?" phase, he said, determining how extension should address those issues.

As interim director, Davis will look at how extension approaches its work given the anticipated changes. "It’s exciting to take the organization down the initial steps, to flesh out where we go next for extension," he said. "When the next director is chosen, some things will already be identified."

Brian Raison, extension director in Miami County, will serve as interim assistant director for community development on a part-time basis until Davis returns to the post. A search is under way to replace Smith permanently.

"Greg’s successful tenure in OSU extension, knowledge of current issues and active engagement in pursuing future opportunities allows him to assume this role and to continue supporting and leading the great work done across our state by our Extension family," said Bruce McPheron, OSU vice president for agricultural administration and dean of the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

Davis was awarded the National Distinguished Service Award from the National Assoc. of Community Development Extension Professionals. He has presented papers and spoken at professional conferences on the state, national and international levels and is a respected facilitator. He has been an active member of the Vice President’s Conversation on the Future of Extension leadership.

As assistant director, he led field-based extension specialists and educators who are working to improve civic, environmental and economic conditions throughout Ohio. He earned his Ph.D. in extension education from OSU, his MPA from Bowling Green State University and his B.A. from the University of Findlay.

McPheron said the transition of position will be a smooth one.

"Keith has led the organization through significant growth and has been a steady guide all the way through his final days as director, as the organization continues to adjust to rapid, societal changes," McPheron said. "Ohioans, and indeed individuals across the country, will benefit from Keith’s leadership for years to come."

Smith said his successor will inherit one of the top extension organizations in the country: "The faculty and staff are eager to be creative and innovative. They are in constant search for better ideas."