Thanks to an extensive background in leadership development, event planning, and financial services, Kerry Keating was able to jump into her new role with a powerful start during the busiest time of the year in University of Illinois Extension programming. At the end of June, Kerry began as Extension county director, serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties.
“I have decades of experience in higher education,” commented Kerry. “Primarily, I have worked in student engagement, retention, learning outcomes development, and assessment, with plenty of time spent managing budgets and coordinating events. I can see as county director, I am going to be drawing from all of my past experiences.”
Kerry earned her MBA from Columbia College of Missouri and received her Equestrian Science undergraduate degree from William Woods University in Fulton, Missouri. A native of New Hampshire, Kerry was happy to relocate back to the Midwest in 2023 to be closer to family.
Most recently, Kerry worked for University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria. While there, “I oversaw accreditation for three large Fellowship Programs with 70 clinical faculty and 32 fellows,” Kerry explained. “That included oversight of all administrative processes, budget management, curriculum development, research and scholarly activity, and the selection, recruitment, and onboarding of all new incoming Fellows.”
Her professional experiences also included roles at University of New England, University System of New Hampshire, Columbia College , and Moberly Area Community College.
Kerry spent the summer connecting with stakeholders at 4-H Shows and Extension events, assisting with the Mason office move, presenting the new budget to county boards, and building her knowledge of Extension staff and programs. She assumed the role following the retirement of Earl Allen, who served as county director for 20 years.
“I have met with Earl several times and he has helped make the transition go smoothly,” Kerry commented. “I am passionate about serving others and connecting with people to build stronger communities. We have a fabulous team of staff, volunteers, and supporters in our unit. I am excited to see the impact we will continue to make.”
When not working, you will find Kerry in the woods with her rambunctious cattle dog, puttering in her gardens, spending time with family, and volunteering.
Photo caption
Kerry Keating joined the Illinois Extension team in late June as the County Director serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties.
Meet the Author
Anita Wilkinson has been serving University of Illinois Extension since 1998, currently in the role of Communications Program Coordinator for the Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit. She began her career in Marshall-Putnam counties leading the 4-H program and transferred to Tazewell County 4-H in 2011. Her 4-H experiences began as a youth member and later 4-H volunteer in Stark County where she was born and raised.
About Extension Snapshots
Extension Snapshots are monthly impact reports that share the stories of our programs in Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties. To have them delivered to you directly sign up using our E-blast registration.