Julie Mumbower named Multi-County Extension Director

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Julie Mumbower was recently named University of Illinois Extension Multi-county Director for the Unit comprised of Franklin, Jackson, Perry, Randolph and Williamson counties.

"It's exciting to think about the opportunity to move Extension forward," Mumbower said. "This new, five-county unit will become a cohesive group of individuals working toward the five program initiatives identified for Illinois. This includes increasing 4-H and other programming in identified areas of need that will have the largest impact for the residents in our counties."

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

"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. Hoeft says "People can still call the same phone numbers or use the same emails they have in the past to reach their local Extension staff."

Mumbower said "The new multi-county structure will allow for better communication with educators and lead to increased program development and delivery within the unit. In addition, it will allow time to focus on working with staff and local funders."

Extension educators who have been named for the Unit include: Susan Odum, Community Development; Michelle Bisel, 4-H; and John Pike, Local Foods Systems and Small Farms. Educators in Horticulture and in Nutrition and Wellness are also expected to be hired.

For more information about how to find your local Extension office or personnel, visit http://web.extension.illinois.edu/.