Drawing on experience and versatility, West Virginia University Extension Service’s dean announced Monday that two county faculty members will fill interim program unit director positions for the families and health and agriculture and natural resources units, effective May 1.

Jackson County Families and Health Agent Gina Taylor and Randolph County Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent Ronnie Helmondollar were selected.

Taylor is no stranger to stepping up to the plate. In her county, she serves as the families and health agent, as well as the 4-H youth development agent.

“As an agent, your main mission is to meet the needs of the community,” she said. “In this case, it was the organization who had a need to be met. By taking on this role I’m able to reach an even bigger audience and continue to help improve the lives of West Virginians.”

Helmondollar brings with him more than 24 years of experience as a county agent.

“Bringing the county agent’s perspective to an administrative level can only help to better and strengthen our ties to the community and its needs,” he said. “I’m excited to continue charging forward and making strides in programming across the state.”

The faculty members will continue to serve their counties in their current roles as well. WVU Extension Service Dean Steve Bonanno, says the pair is poised to help the Extension Service continue to make strides in offering trusted research and resources.

“It’s an exciting time for Extension,” he said. “We have a team that is excited, energized and ready to tackle the issues that are meaningful to people around the state. These two agents are great additions to an already driven and creative administrative team.”

For more information, visit ext.wvu.edu, or contact your local office of the WVU Extension Service.

-WVU-

ct/04/21/15

CONTACT: Cassie Thomas, WVU Extension Service
304.293.8735, Cassie.Thomas@mail.wvu.edu

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