UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State Cooperative Extension has named David Swartz of Loysville as interim county extension director in Cumberland County, effective March 1. He replaces Nina Redding, who is assuming the extension director's post in Adams County.

Swartz will continue as extension director for Perry County, a position he's held since 1989.

"As a native of Cumberland County and a long-time resident of the multi-county region, Dave Swartz is very familiar with the county's extension education programs and the clientele they serve," says Michelle Rodgers, director of Penn State Cooperative Extension's Capital Region. "His proven leadership abilities, subject-matter expertise and in-depth knowledge of the extension organization will benefit the county's agricultural industry, as well as its families, communities and businesses."

Swartz joined Penn State Cooperative Extension in 1984 as a dairy extension educator in Chester County, where he developed and offered educational programs in dairy production, farm management, agronomy and water quality. Since moving to Perry County as extension director in 1989, he has conducted a multi-county dairy program that includes business and production management, farm safety, forage production, and 4-H dairy and animal science programs for youth.

In 2005, Swartz was recognized by the Pennsylvania Dairymen's Association with its Dairy Excellence Award.

Swartz received a bachelor's degree in dairy science in 1982 and a master's degree in animal science in 1992, both from Penn State. Prior to joining Penn State Cooperative Extension, he was an assistant herd manager for J.B. Brymesser and Sons, a large dairy operation in Boiling Springs.

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 Penn State Cooperative Extension in Cumberland County at 717-240-6500 or in Perry County at 717-582-5150, or visit the Web at http://www.extension.psu.edu for program information and links to county sites.

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EDITORS: Contact David Swartz at 717-582-5150 or after March 1 at 717-240-6500, or Michelle Rodgers at 717-948-6326.

Editor: Chuck Gill 814-863-2713 cdg5@psu.edu