Extension leadership aims to foster meaningful dialogue with employees, improving both how we share and how we listen. You can submit feedback and questions for future updates directly to NC State Extension Director David Monks at dwm@ncsu.edu.

Summary of Topics:

• New "All Extension Forum" Webinar Series
  We're launching an All Extension Forum, a new quarterly webinar series connecting employees statewide to timely updates, discussion of strategic priorities and Q&A with NC State Extension leadership. Sessions will be held June 12, Sept. 11 and Dec. 11, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. — details will be shared in advance.
• Digital Accessibility Deadline Extended
  NC State has extended its digital accessibility compliance deadline to May 11, 2026. All employees should continue working to improve accessibility across websites, documents and digital communications. Find more digital accessibility guidance.
• Meet Extension's FCS Leader: Annie Hardison-Moody
  Annie Hardison-Moody has been officially named NC State Extension associate director and state program leader for Family and Consumer Sciences. With her extensive experience in food systems, community development and applied research — we're glad to make it official. Contact Annie or learn more about her.
• Keeping North Carolina's Farmland in the Family
  North Carolina is losing an estimated 55 acres of farmland every day — and Extension is stepping up. NC FarmLink's Noah Ranells and Stephen Bishop work directly with farmers and landowners across the state, connecting families with tools to protect their land for the next generation. Read the full story.
• Remember to Use Your Unity ID
  County Extension experts should make sure to use your Unity ID NC State email account (unityid@ncsu.edu). This is the address used for many organizational communications, and helps ensure security, accessibility and reliable delivery.
• "Ready, Set, Grow!" Spring Campaign
  NC State Extension has launched a spring gardening social media campaign — "Ready, Set, Grow!" — running now through mid-June. Follow along on our state Facebook or Instagram channels, and feel free to point local audiences to the campaign at go.ncsu.edu/ReadySetGrow.
• 60 Seconds with Holly Jordan (Buncombe County)
  Holly Jordan, director of Extension's Buncombe County Center, was recently featured for her team's work supporting their community's farmers through Hurricane Helene recovery — work that earned her the Governor's Award for Excellence. Read more in NC State Magazine.

Summary of Topics:

• April 24 Digital Accessibility Deadline
  New federal digital accessibility requirements take effect April 24, impacting Extension webpages, documents, videos and social media posts. Review our dedicated resource page for an overview of requirements, links to tools and training, and clarification on priorities.
• Extension Civil Rights Review Underway
  Extension is participating in a routine Civil Rights Review conducted by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) — learn more about your role in supporting civil rights compliance.
• USDA Disaster Program: Guidance for Helping Farmers
  As applications open for the USDA Disaster Block Grant program, review key resources to help you guide local producers through the process.
• Extension Annual Report, Impact Resources Available
  Our 2025-26 NC State Extension Annual Report and impact resources are now available. Each local center should have received two print copies of the report, but contact Extension Marketing and Communications to request a limited number of extra copies.
• Spring Refresh: Is Your Signage Up to Date?
  Take a fresh look at your local signage — from building signs to banners, displays and other on-site materials — and explore available resources and support to ensure your materials are on-brand and up to date.
• NC State Libraries Webinar Series for Extension Experts
  Extension Organizational Development (EOD) is offering a webinar series to highlight NC State Libraries resources available to Extension employees:
  • April 10, 10 a.m. — Crash Course in Library Support for Extension
  • April 24, 10 a.m. — How Do I Find It? Databases, Google and the Special Collections
  • May 8, 10 a.m. — Unlocking Extension History with the Libraries' Special Collections
  • May 29, 10 a.m. — Tools and Tips for Responsible AI Use

Summary of Topics:

• 2025-26 Extension Annual Report, Impact Resources Available
  Our 2025-26 NC State Extension Annual Report and impact resources are now available. Explore the materials and share Extension’s story with your audiences.
• New Extension Websites + Accessibility Reminder
  All Extension websites have transitioned to our new Wagtail platform, featuring a refreshed look and expanded tools. You can find support resources and send questions to the EIT Help Desk at eithelpdesk@ncsu.edu. Please keep digital accessibility top of mind heading into the April 24 federal compliance deadline — let's ensure everyone can engage with our work.
• 4-H Joins Agricultural and Human Sciences Department
  4-H at NC State has joined the Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences, effective March 1. This move does not change 4-H’s mission or connection to Extension — find more details and FAQ.
• 4-H Leader Mike Yoder Retiring After 30 Years at NC State
  Following three decades of service at NC State, including 11 years leading NC State Extension’s 4-H program, Mike Yoder retired March 1. Moving forward, lifelong 4-H’er Shannon McCollum will provide steady leadership during the transition as interim 4-H state program leader.
• AI in Agriculture Conference | March 31–April 2
  NC State is hosting the 2026 AI in Agriculture Conference March 31 to April 2 in Raleigh — a national forum for Extension experts, researchers and industry leaders to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven innovations are transforming agricultural systems. Visit the conference page to learn more and register.
• NC State Day of Giving | March 25
  Mark your calendars for NC State’s Day of Giving on March 25, a 24-hour opportunity to garner support from stakeholders and partners for your local Extension programming. Visit the Day of Giving site to learn more — or find more details on our updated Extension 2026 Day of Giving Toolkit.

Summary of Topics:

• Advancing Extension's Agricultural Programming
  As the $100+ billion North Carolina agriculture industry grows and evolves, so must Extension's approach to local ag programming. As such, we're developing a new county-level agricultural staffing model for local Extension centers statewide, along with innovative new roles. This initiative builds upon our strengths and better positions Extension to meet our state's agricultural needs, advance NC Ag Leads strategic priorities and provide more timely, targeted support to farmers for years to come.
• Susan Kelly Retiring from NC State Extension
  After more than a decade of service, Susan Kelly, assistant director of county operations for NC State Extension, will retire on Feb. 1. Susan has played a vital role supporting our personnel and programming across 101 local centers, strengthening connections between campus and county operations. Keith Walters will serve as interim assistant director of county operations, with Bill Stone stepping into an interim role supporting leadership efforts in the South Central District.
• Interim Contact for Corn Production Questions
  While work continues to fill NC State Extension's full-time corn specialist position, Rod Gurganus, director of Extension's Beaufort County Center, will serve as the point of contact for corn production questions. This temporary arrangement ensures agents have a clear resource for ongoing guidance and support, and we're grateful to Rod for his time and help.
• New Executive Assistant for Extension Administration
  Please join me in welcoming Michaela Bolick, our new executive assistant for Extension administration as of Jan. 20. Formerly with CALS’ Department of Animal Science, Michaela now provides administrative support for the director's office and NC State Extension administration.
• New Extension Websites Launching in March
  EIT is preparing to launch revamped Extension websites across our network, marking a major step forward in how our programs and expertise are shared online. The new web environment will expand our digital capabilities and enhance our storytelling, making it easier for our experts to showcase their work and audiences to find information. To support a smooth transition, EIT is offering training sessions for all Extension web editors (county and topic sites). Visit the EIT site to learn more and register for training.

Summary of Topics:

• Civil Rights Compliance Annual Training
  If you haven't already completed your online Civil Rights Compliance Training, please do so by Dec. 31. This required training is your essential guide to civil rights compliance while working for NC State Extension. Questions? Please contact Meredith Weinstein.
• N.C. SARE Funding Available for Cover Crops Conference
  N.C. Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) has funding available to help Extension agents attend the Southern Cover Crops Council Conference, taking place Feb. 25-26, 2026, in Gainesville, FL. Funds cover the cost of registration and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. To take advantage of this opportunity, register for the SCCC Conference. Contact Susan Wassmer with questions.
• Extension Employee Experience Survey
  Your feedback is vital to helping NC State Extension grow stronger together. By sharing your experiences in our annual employee survey, you help us understand what’s working well and where we can make meaningful improvements in support of our people and our mission. Please take the survey by Dec. 19.

Summary of Topics:

• Ben Chapman Named Interim Associate Director
• David Suchoff to Lead N.C. PSI's Extension Platform
• Sarah Kirby to Retire Jan. 1, 2026

After nearly 40 years of exemplary leadership and service, Sarah Kirby will retire at the start of the new year. Sarah has been a force for good across our Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) programming — and a steady, compassionate leader through some of our most challenging times. Please join me in wishing her well!

Annie Hardison-Moody has been named our new FCS state program leader, beginning in January. She has served as interim assistant program leader since Sep. 2024 and brings valuable experience and vision to the role.

• Digital Accessibility: What to Know
• Generative AI Guidance and Best Practices for Extension
  • AI Best Practices Handout
  • Extension AI Guidance
• Nominations Open for 2025 Soybean Agent of the Year
• NCDA&CS Soil Sample Reminder
• Learn Practical Strategies for Climate-Resilient Farming (Register for Nov. 17 or Dec. 5)

Archived Director Updates

Rich Bonanno retired as NC State Extension director in August 2024. View an archive of his regular update videos with organizational news and information for employees.

View archived director update videos for:
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016