UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State Cooperative Extension has named Jeffrey Myers of Westminster, Md., as county extension director in York County, effective July 1. Myers will replace Tom Becker, who has served as interim director since September 2001.

"Although most open extension positions currently are frozen due to budget constraints, filling this position was key to maintaining our support of the region's agriculture, communities and families," said Michelle Rodgers, regional director for Penn State Cooperative Extension's seven-county Capital Region. "Jeff's broad range of experience will serve the people of York County and the Capital Region well."

From 1999 until his appointment, Myers was a consultant with Del-Myr Associates, a firm that offered expertise in organizational development, youth development and agriculture. In that position, he assisted such groups as the Michigan Farmland and Community Alliance and the Maryland State Fair with organizational and program development. He also appraised cattle for the American Jersey Cattle Association and delivered motivational speeches to young farmers, dairy industry groups, and youth and adults in 4-H and public school settings.

From 1996 to 1999, Myers worked for Maryland Cooperative Extension as assistant executive director of the Maryland 4-H Foundation, where he helped direct daily operations of the organization, oversaw the foundation's annual budget and helped to increase gift income.

As a member of the Maryland State 4-H faculty from 1994 to 1999, Myers designed statewide volunteer leadership training programs, planned and led statewide youth educational events, directed curriculum development and served as liaison to state and national committees in the areas of natural resources, animal and plant sciences, and science and technology.

Myers was owner-operator of Del-Myr Farm in Westminster, Md., from 1984 to 1994. The 120-cow dairy farm had an annual gross income of $200,000. Myers developed a breeding stock marketing program, managed employees and consulted with specialists on herd health, genetics, milk quality and animal welfare. In addition, he served in leadership roles with county, state and national dairy organizations.

Myers received his bachelor's degree in agricultural extension and education from the University of Maryland in 1976 and his master's degree in animal science from Michigan State University in 1985. Penn State Cooperative Extension is a nonformal, community-based educational resource, funded cooperatively by state and county governments and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Each year, more than 2 million people participate in

Penn State Cooperative Extension programs in agriculture; natural resources and environmental management; 4-H/youth development; community resources and economic development; family development and resource management; leadership and volunteer development; and nutrition, diet and health. To learn more, contact the York County extension office at (717) 840-7408; or visit the World Wide Web at http://www.extension.psu.edu for program information and links to county sites.

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EDITORS: Contact Michelle Rodgers at (717) 948-6326 and Jeffrey Myers at (717) 840-7408 (after July 1).

Contact: Chuck Gill cdg5@psu.edu 814-863-2713 814-865-1068 fax #200