UC Cooperative Extension area directors and county directors from across the state met in Davis at the ANR building on April 28-30.
Janine P. Woods, executive director of County Cooperative Extension, who hosted the meeting, led discussions and exercises to explore the different ways people prefer to be shown appreciation in the workplace through words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts and acts of service.
To express appreciation for one another, the directors drew names and used colored pens to personalize and decorate mugs for the person whose name they drew.
During the three-day meeting, Matthew Barnes, area director for Lake and Mendocino counties, gave a presentation on unique partnerships and reaching non-traditional stakeholders. Rita Clemons, area director for Riverside, San Bernardino and Orange counties discussed pursuing big money in non-traditional funding streams.
Vice President Glenda Humiston, interim AVP for Programs Darren Haver, interim AVP for Finance & Capital Planning Jennifer Bunge and interim AVP for Business Operations Kathy Eftekhari gave updates about the budget, the call for proposals for UCCE positions and other business.
Woods presented awards to honor the service of the current County Director Executive Committee (CDEC) regional representatives Laura Snell, Sheila Barry, Karmjot Randhawa, JoLynn Miller and Rita Clemons. CDEC is transitioning to the Leadership and Extension Advisory Directors, or LEAD.
Woods also celebrated the county directors who have transitioned into an area director role since she joined UC ANR in January. Those recognized include JoLynn Miller, Karey Windbiel-Rojas, Sheila Barry and David Lile.
She also thanked Keith Nathaniel for serving as the interim director for County Cooperative Extension in 2025 and for helping her get up to speed during her first six months on the job.
