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Personnel Notes – June 2019   arrow

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Best wishes to…

Ann Duncan and Retta Bruegger! Ann had a baby boy named Declan on May 20th and Retta had a baby boy on May 29th. 

Congratulations to…

Abi Saeed and Kaycee Manuppella for receiving an award in the amount of $3000 sponsored by the Garfield Healthy Communities Coalition. Way to go!

Save the date!

The Extension Administrative Support Staff Conference will be September 16 -18 at the Denver Marriott West in Golden, CO. More details coming soon.

Sympathies to…

Susan Baker and her family as her father passed away. Condolences may be sent to her office at 102 Gifford, 1571 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1571.

Welcome to…

Jacquelin Veldhuizen as a new Extension State Classified employee. Jacquelin started as an Administrative Assistant in Park County on May 21. Great to have you!

AWARD DOLLARS RECEIVED

New Extension Awards
Investigator(s) Sponsor Title Total Award Amount
Ashley Stokes Colorado Garden foundation Colorado Garden Foundation Grant, 03/01/2019 – 12/31/2019 $5,000
Kacey Riedel HHS-CDC-Centers for Disease Control ATV Safety Training for Agriculture Youth in SW CO (HICAHS), 09/15/2016 – 09/14/2021 $15,569
Joel Schneekloth Monsanto SD Systems Nitrogen by Density by Water VRI Testing,

05/01/2019 – 04/30/2020

$13,860
Jeffrey Tranel Colorado State Board of Land Commissioners Discovering Privately Owned, Non-Irrigated Pasture Lease Rates, 03/15/2019 – 09/15/2019 $35,809

Notification of awards received is taken monthly from a CSU Sponsored Programs report. If you are the recipient(s) of an award(s) that did not go through Sponsored Programs, please email Kaylie McKenna at kaylie.mckenna@colostate.edu and provide her the information so we can recognize your success. 

The Personnel Directory is updated as of June 3, 2019. If you are interested in a hard copy, go to http://extension.colostate.edu/staff-directory/ then click on “Printable Personnel Directory.”

Be sure to check out our new colleagues this month.

PERSONNEL UPDATE

As of June 1, 2019

FRONT RANGE REGION – JoAnn Powell

Regional

Extension Regional Specialist, Diversity and Engagement, Denver Metro Area, #27-19
This is a new position. It is under review by Human Resources.

Adams County
Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development, #TBD
Lacey Taylor accepted a position in Cheyenne County June 3. This position is under review.

Broomfield County
Extension Program Associate, Master Gardener/Horticulture (0.5 FTE), #13-19
Nancy Klasky has accepted the position effective May 16. Nancy received a BS in natural resource tourism from Colorado State University.

Boulder County
Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development, #29-19
Lisa Terry resigned April 30. The search committee is working on the position description.

Denver County
Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development, #09-19
Merielle Stamm and Jenia Hooper have accepted this position effective June 17. Merielle received a BS in agriculture from Cornell University and her MS in agricultural and extension education from the University of Pennsylvania. Jenia received a BA in sociology from Boston University and her master’s in social work from the University of Maryland.

Douglas County
Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development/Livestock, #16-19
Interviews are scheduled for June 4 and 5.

Extension Program Associate, 4-H Youth Development, #18-19
This is a new position. It is under review.

Extension Program Associate, Horticulture and Extension Programs, #28-19
Katie Dunker accepted a position for the State Office effective April 1. It is under review by Human Resources.

El Paso County
Extension Director, #20-19
Interviews are scheduled for June 6 and 7.

Extension Program Associate, Colorado Master Gardener, Horticulture (0.5 FTE), #25-19
The position is being advertised with a deadline of June 18.

Jefferson County
Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development/Outreach & Enrichment, #21-19
Interviews are scheduled for July 11 and 12.

Larimer County
Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development/Livestock, #17-19
Interviews were held on May 29 and 30.

PEAKS AND PLAINS REGION – Bill Nobles

Chaffee County
Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development, #TBD
Christy Fitzpatrick retired May 17. This position is under review.

Fremont County
Extension Agent, Family and Consumer Science, 4-H Youth Development, #TBD
Verla Noakes will be retiring August 31.

Lincoln County
Extension Director and Agent, 4-H Youth Development, Agriculture, #26-19
The position is being advertised with a deadline of June 27.

Logan County
Extension Agent, Family & Consumer Science, #TBD
Tara Fundus is resigning June 11. This position will be under review.

Morgan County
Extension Agent, Family & Consumer Sciences, #14-19
Interviews were held on May 28 and 29.

Pueblo County
Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development, #31-19
The position is being advertised with a deadline of July 2.

GOLDEN PLAINS AREA

Kit Carson County
Area Extension Agent, Family & Consumer Science, 4-H Youth Development, #24-19
This position is being advertised with a deadline of June 6.

Phillips County
Extension Agent, Family & Consumer Science, #TBD
Tracy Trumper is resigning July 29.

WESTERN REGION – C. J. Mucklow

Regional
Extension Specialist, Viticulture, #12-19
Miranda Ulmer accepted the position effective July 10. Miranda received a BS in biology from Hope College and a MS in horticulture from Oregon State University. She will be starting remotely in this position on June 3.

Rio Blanco County
Extension Director and Agent, Agriculture, 4-H Youth Development, #19-19
Interviews are scheduled for June 5 and 6.

TRI RIVER AREA

Montrose County
Area Extension Agent, Agriculture/Agriculture Marketing, #22-19
Semi-finalist zoom interviews are scheduled for June 24.

STATE STAFF

Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Engagement and Director of Extension, #23-19
Megan Griffith accepted the position effective June 11. Megan received a BA in English from Dickinson College and a MA in English from the University of Vermont. She has been with CSU for about six years and most recently served as the Assistant Director of Development for Corporate and Foundation Relations with the College of Natural Sciences.

NEW! All items for Extension Personnel Notes should be sent to Kaylie McKenna at kaylie.mckenna@colostate.edu.

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Katie Dunker

Name: Katie Dunker

Title: State Master Gardener Coordinator

Location: Extension State Office

Date of Hire: April 2019

Personal Information: I have three kiddos ages 10, 7 and 7 months that keep us laughing and very busy. My partner also works in higher ed and is leading the new Collaboration Campus opening in Castle Rock this summer. Together we enjoy outdoor activities (hiking, skiing and kid-sports), live music, strong coffee and loads of time with extended family in Castle Rock. Let me know if you’re in town or passing through!

Job Experience: I have 15 years of experience in higher education administration including time at the University of Denver and both of my alma maters… OSU as the Extension Statewide Coordinator for Physical Activity and most recently CSU as the Colorado Master Gardener coordinator in Douglas County.

Education:
2004 B.S. Health & Human Sciences, Oregon State University
2006 M.S. Student Affairs in Higher Education, Colorado State University


Tearle Lessenden

Name: Tearle Lessenden

Title: Area Extension Agent – 4-H Youth Development, Agriculture, and Natural Resources

Location: Southeast Area – Kiowa County

Date of Hire: April 2019

Personal Information: I was born and raised in Eads, Colorado and Kiowa County. I have served as a 4-H Leather Craft Leader for 15 years. I also served the Kiowa County Fair Board for 11 years in numerous positions. Alongside my father, operate a small farm and ranch.

Job Experience: Before coming to Extension, I worked for Rush Creek Land and Cattle as a cowboy. Most recently, I worked for Kiowa County Road and Bridge as a heavy equipment operator.

Education:
2003 B.S. Agriculture Education, Colorado State University


Name: Julie Hill

Title: Administrative Assistant

Location: El Paso County

Date of Hire: April 2019

Personal Information: : I am a native to Colorado Springs. My husband and I have known each other for 20 years and have been married for 10. I like spending time with my teenage daughter (my side kick), friends and family.

Job Experience: I have worked in the El Paso County Extension Office for the last 8 years. Most of my background is fiscal.


Josey Pukrop

Name: Josey Pukrop

Title: Extension Agent – 4-H Youth Development/Livestock

Location: Jefferson County

Date of Hire: April 2019

Personal Information: I was raised adjacent to my grandparent’s dairy farm in Central Wisconsin, where I developed the love of raising livestock, aided by my participation in FFA. I love new places and cultures and have travelled to over 30 countries and the majority of the United States. I’m super excited to dive into this new position to see what new relationships and adventures come my way through 4-H and Extension!

Job Experience: As a student, I worked at a university research farm as a beef production intern. I also worked as a beef research intern through a joint collaboration with BioZyme, Inc. and UWRF. Following my M.S. graduation, I held a temporary position as the Livestock and Operations Specialist at a mid-sized cow-calf ranch in northeast Wyoming.

Education:
2014 B.S. Animal Science, Meat Animal emphasis, University of Wisconsin – River Falls
2017 M.S. Animal Science, Ruminant Nutrition focus, Purdue University


Brit Heiring

Name: Brit Heiring

Title: Director of Communications

Location: Extension State Administration Office

Date of Hire: April 2019

Personal Information: Growing up, I was surrounded by orange groves and cattle fields in the central Florida, small town where I was born and raised. A few years after graduating with my undergrad, I set my sights on moving to Colorado which has been home for me since 2012. My partner and I love to hike, camp, go on big backpacking adventures (we completed a 40-mile trek last summer), cook, and bike around town. I’m also a certified yoga instructor and LOVE sharing yoga and mindfulness with others.

Job Experience: Prior to Extension, I worked at CSU in marketing and communications within the Division of Student Affairs (with most of my time being housed in Campus Recreation). I also co-chair the CSU Inclusive Communications Committee and the Feminist Fight Club Communications Committee. Before I moved to Colorado, I was also doing mar/com work as a graphic designer in higher ed and the private advertising agency world.

Education:
2008 B.S. Human & Family Development, Florida State University
2018 Masters of Tourism Management & Certification in Marketing, Colorado State University


Brit Heiring

Name: Wes Alford

Title: Assistant Director of Professional Development

Location: Extension State Administration Office

Date of Hire: April 2019

Personal Information: I was born and raised in Arkansas and I am excited about the move to Colorado for this position. My wife, Leighanne, and I have 2 dogs: Roxy, a redbone coonhound, and Scholesy, a shepherd mix. We love to run, hike, ride bikes, camp, and enjoy great craft beers. We are all excited to make the move to Fort Collins where we will be closer to family and some of our best friends!

Job Experience: I have spent the last 4 years working as a Sr. Organizational Development Consultant for the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Most of my work and research has centered on leadership development, employee engagement, and change management in public organizations.

Education:
2004 B.A. Psychology, Hendrix College
2010 M.A. Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Louisiana Tech University
2014 PhD Leadership Studies, University of Central Arkansas


Karla Cortez

Name: Karla Cortez

Title: Administrative Assistant – 4-H Youth Development

Location: El Paso County

Date of Hire: April 2019

Personal Information: I was born and raised in California but spent the last five years in Missouri, where I met my husband. We visited Colorado last year and knew it was the place for us. I enjoy reading, the outdoors and spending time with my family.

Job Experience: Prior to Extension, I worked in federal student loan servicing as a trainer and quality assurance specialist. I also have experience working with children in underserved communities.

Education:
2013 B.A. Political Science, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA


Emily Tobler

Name: Emily Tobler

Title: Extension Agent – 4-H Youth Development/Livestock

Location: El Paso County

Date of Hire: April 2019

Personal Information: I love to spend my time at horse shows, hiking with my dog, and traveling. I am very passionate about the equine industry and youth programs.

Job Experience: Prior to Extension, I worked with Arizona Agribusiness and Equine Center High Schools as an Agricultural & Equine Science Instructor. I also had internships with AQHA, Robin Glenn Pedigrees and Silver Spurs Equine.

Education:
2015 B.S. Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Equine Science emphasis, Agribusiness and Business Management minors, Utah State University
2018 M.S. Agricultural Education & Extension, Utah State University


Kaylie McKenna

Name: Kaylie McKenna

Title: Human Resources Technician

Location: Extension State Administration Office

Date of Hire: April 2019

Personal Information: Growing up, I was surrounded by the breathtaking views of Pikes Peaks and Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. I enjoy planning events and strive to become an Event Coordinator one day. In the Fall, I hope to start my master’s degree through CSU. Outside of school and work, I enjoy time with my family and friends, soaking up the sun, and dancing.

Job Experience: Prior to becoming a State Classified Employee, I worked as a student hourly employee for two years and a non-student hourly for several months with the Human Resources unit of Extension. Before starting at Extension, I had a part time work study as a Literacy and Mathematics Tutor for Dunn IB Elementary School for two years.

Education:
2018 B.S. Business Administration – Innovative & Organizational Management and Human Resources concentrations, Colorado State University


Nancy Klasky

Name: Nancy Klasky

Title: Extension Program Associate – Master Gardener/Horticulture

Location: Broomfield County

Date of Hire: May 2019

Personal Information: I love hiking and spending time in the mountains when I can. My other hobbies include travel, reading, gardening, houseplants, calligraphy and yoga. I’ve lived in Longmont, Colorado most of my life having moved here in 1980. I have two grown daughters who also live in Longmont.

Job Experience: I was the volunteer coordinator at the Colorado State Forest Service in Fort Collins from 2011 until taking this new position. Prior to that I did a lot of volunteer work and was a self-employed gardener, among other jobs while raising my daughters.

Education:
2014 B.S. Natural Resources Recreational & Tourism, Colorado State University


Jacquelin Veldhuizen

Name: Jacquelin Veldhuizen

Title: Administrative Assistant

Location: Park County

Date of Hire: May 2019

Personal Information: I just moved to Park County from Iowa this past December with my husband, Cody, and our dog Alice. We love to hike and kayak. When the weather isn’t as agreeable, you can find me enjoying movie marathons and a good book.

Job Experience: In December, I left my position as an Executive Assistant for a luxury ground transportation service out of Des Moines, Iowa. A very small part of my job was coordinating transportation for celebrities that came to our town. Some of my favorite celebrity visitors were Kate Spade, Martha Stewart, Green Day, and Gordon Ramsay. Before that, I worked various customer service and administrative positions in my small town in Iowa.